Dear Editor:
Hurricanes Sandy and Irene have proven that New York City has underestimated the destruction of unmaintained trees in our city. Sandy has caused millions of dollars in damages, homes destroyed and 51 deaths, many caused by fallen trees.
The 311 hotline have been instructed not to take any calls pertaining to damaged or dead trees. They will not take any tree reports.
A large part of the damage to our homes, streets and power lines was due to city trees that have not been pruned, removed or maintained for many, many years due to lack of funds for this purpose. Yet the mayor’s goal for the city has been to plant one million new trees in the city.
The priority should be maintaining existing trees, not planting one million new ones.
Trees fall, basements, flood, utility lines fall and telephone lines and power lines are without service for days, even weeks. Yet the Parks commissioner does not accept phone calls or 311 reports. A solution to New York City’s tree problem is not addressed and shall continue to cause death and destruction.
The mayor has to recognize that the tree problem is at a dangerous level in the boroughs. There are hundreds of trees in need of pruning or removal. During storms or high winds, they fall, destroy homes, cars and cause death when they fall on people.
A concerted effort must be made to care for existing trees instead of concentrating on planting one million new ones.
Nick Pennachio
Member of Queens Community
Board 4
Thanking Cops For Help During Storm
Editor’s note: The following was originally sent to Deputy Inspector Michael Cody, commanding officer of the 104th Precinct, and later forwarded to the Times Newsweekly by the author. Dear Inspector Cody:
Relative to a situation that occurred during the hurricane on Oct. 29 at the All Faiths Cemetery, I want to commend the professionalism of your officers. You can be proud of these three individuals. Their demeanor reflects the leadership you display.
I contacted the 104 Police Precinct regarding a fallen tree that was inside the cemetery which knocked down a fence and blocked Metropolitan Avenue westbound, causing an extremely dangerous condition. I was unable to obtain any assistance via 311 and the condition relative to the tree reached an even higher level.
Be advised that the following members of your command should be recognized for their oustanding service that was provided to the All Faiths Cemetery and the citizens of the City of New York residing within the confines of the 104 Police Precinct. Please extend my gratitude to Sgt. Insigne, P.O. Ralph Szpak and P.O. Jack Kwiatkowski.
Daniel C. Austin
Chairman, President and CEO
All Faiths Cemetery
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