Puts Properties In Storm Zone Further At Risk
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder has sent a letter and called on the city Parks Department to implement a program immediately to remove Sandy-damaged trees that pose a potential or imminent threat to residents’ lives and property.
“After surviving a catastrophic event, such as Superstorm Sandy and struggling for months to rebuild and recover, the last thing any resident should worry about is a tree falling on their house, or worse,” said Goldfeder. “We have been through enough already, and while we are still feeling the effects of Sandy, we must ensure every protective measure is taken to provide our families a muchneeded peace of mind.”
Salt water and debris from Hurricane Sandy damaged and destroyed thousands of tree species across southern Queens and Rockaway. While many trees are still standing their weakened branches and roots pose a serious threat to families and homes.
“Several of my shrubs died, including a city tree in front of my house that was submerged in salt water during the storm,” said Carla Errico, a resident of Howard Beach. “The tree is starting to lean and every day I fear that it will topple over onto my house or a neighbor’s house. I called 311 and a parks agent came to inspect the tree but they said it was not life-threatening and there was no need to remove it. I know this tree poses a serious hazard after Sandy and needs to be removed immediately.”
Similar to programs that were implemented in New Orleans after Katrina, relief funding from the city’s Recovery Program could be allocated to cover the cost of removal and disposal of city trees, including stumps or other tree debris, Goldfeder noted in his letter.
“Actions to address damaged and weakened trees must be taken now,” added Goldfeder. “While homeowners continue to rebuild, I urge the Parks Department to work with federal partners to secure the funding and implement a program to remove dead trees and branches.”
