Dear City Council Members,

Towards the end of this last summer, sometime in August or September, 2007, I watched as one of several hertiage trees were removed from 1525 Bay Laurel Drive prior to new construction. The tree I watched being removed was an evergreen well over 40 feet in height with an enormous trunk. I walk my dog past this property several times a week but never saw any heritage tree removal notices posted. I therefore assume that the this tree and several others were removed illegally. Once the trees were removed and construction had begun then the Laurel Homes development sign went up in front of the property.

I am concerned that there is little to no oversight regarding removing heritage trees on development sites. In addition, the meager fines levied when developers or property owners are caught illegally removing heritage trees poses little to no deterrent. When my husband and I sold our previous home on Santa Cruz Avenue there was, and still is, a very large redwood tree in the backyard. We had one prospecive buyer who discussed with us his plans to cut the tree down quickly and pay the $500 to $1,000 fee if he was caught. Needless to say we did not sell the property to him.

I feel outrage that the Laurel Homes developers removed the beautiful trees that graced the property.It makes me feel even worse to know that the developer will not face any significant repercussions. I believe that we need to have some oversignt on all properties to assure that heritage trees are not removed illegally. There should also be significant fines and penalities for individuals and developers who engage in this type of illegal activity.

I realize that I am somewhat tardy in writing this email but I could no longer walk past the property without taking some action.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Fisher
385 Hermosa Way
Menlo Park Received on Fri Dec 14 18:50:44 2007