Politics & Government

Tree Removal Policy Scrutinized by Town Supervisor

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio is seeking changes to current tree removal policy.

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio is seeking to change the language to the current town code for tree removal.

“It makes it clear that no longer is a ‘sound tree’ the operable phrase. If it’s sound but doing damage it has to come down,” Vecchio said regarding language changes he’s seeking following Tuesday’s town board meeting.

The current policy states that if a tree on town property is alive, referred to in the town code as “sound,” it will not be removed. If the changes to the language of the code are implemented, trees – in good health or not – will be removed if they are causing damage.

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Vecchio said he has received complaints about trees causing damages to sidewalks, cesspools, and other private property.

The supervisor said he sent a memo to Yvonne Lieffrig, the town attorney, as well as to the town council members, regarding the town code language and his desire to change the language.

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The town board should adopt the policy where an offending tree as determined by the arborist or other qualified person which causes damages as described above be removed and replaced at the appropriate time,” Vecchio said, reading directly from his memo.

Lieffrig will draft an amendment to the code based off the supervisor’s memo for the next town board meeting, which will be held on Aug. 9, according to Vecchio.

Vecchio said a foreman from the Highway Department would be put in a position to decide whether or not a tree needs to be removed.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here