Because of Lakewood’s rapid growth and development, the Lakewood Township Committee has passed an ordinance “Protection of Trees.” This ordinance is intended to safeguard the environment because the removal and cutting of trees results in the need for increased control of drainage, storm water management, dust and pollution, soil erosion, and a buildup of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
The removal of trees also decreases the fertility of the soil and the groundwater recharge. Widespread tree removal in the township can eventually result in decreased property values, and negatively impact on the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents.
With the passing of this ordinance, a person must obtain a tree permit from the Lakewood Inspection Department to remove a tree six (6”) inches or more. Included in the ordinance is a one-to-one tree replacement. Details of the Protection of Trees Ordinance can be obtained from Clerk’s office, second floor, Lakewood Township Municipal Building, 231 Third Street.
Lakewood Mayor Steven Langert said, “As human beings, it is our responsibility to protect the environment and take care of it. By replacing the trees we remove, we can help preserve, protect, and enhance our environment for many years to come.”
Ralph Zucker, a developer and owner of Somerset Development Corporation, said, “I believe that I speak for many people in the development community of Lakewood in saying this is an example of a collaborative process. We are appreciative of the way the mayor and other township officials worked collaboratively with all the stakeholders involved in the process to craft a compromise that leaves everybody just a little bit unhappy, which means it was a good compromise.”
Brian Flannery, a project engineer with FWH Associates, said, “It’s a good ordinance because it is balanced. It provides for tree preservation without adversely affecting housing affordability.”
Sam Rabinowitz, a Lakewood developer, “This is an ordinance that will help keep Lakewood beautiful. Everyone put a lot of hard work into making sure we will all move forward positively, and I believe everyone will benefit.”
Michael Stillwell, chairman of the Shade Tree Commission said, “I thank the mayor and other members of the township committee. This is a good ordinance for Lakewood and long overdue. I think this ordinance will put us on the right path for protecting the trees and doing a lot better as far as clear-cutting.”
Does anyone know how when this goes into effect?
is this some kind of joke? protection of trees? what trees? they are ALL gone! TOO little TOO late, but thanks anyway
I must not be understanding the ordinance, how are the developers who seem pleased with this law going to be able to build.
Does this also mean I need to get permission to remove every 6inch
tree in my yard?
When you have developers praising this ordinance you can rest assured that this is a watered down version and will probably do little to nothing for the beauty of our town or the environment.
So If I pull that oak sapling out of my backyard, I have to get a permit? , I’ll get right on it.
Closing the barn door after the horses get out…typical Lakewood governing style.
should have thought of this 10 years ago , a little late now that this town has just about cleared every sq. inch to build on
OH waite now we can go after the home owner for cutting down that tree hanging over their house!!!
6 inches so if you get a little pine spruce or swamp cedae sprout in your back yard 6 inches B4 you notice it you can’t moe it down, you need a permit, & the permit cost money.
Meanwhile the Public works will think it is a weed , if you get a few of them you will get ticketed for weeds, so they get money either way, if you don’t moe your lawn every day.
They make impossible laws & use them against innocent poor hardworking citizens.
Shame on them, the developers will get by, the small guy will suffer, & you still vote for these guys.
Too little too late! The horse is out of the barn, the barn burnt down and the horse is all the way to New Mexico by now! But thank you. I know you were doing your best in a town that cares little about trees or the environment. Maybe you should make the builders put trees around the developments. Although, how do you put tress up with rows and rows of townhouses and houses one on top of another with no room in between. It’s a problem for sure!
I think they mean 6″ in diameter, not 6″ tall.
what a bunch of nonense!
its all about money!
so if a tree iss knocked over by the wind I will get a ticket unless I prove that I didn’t rip it out.
This new ordinance will be great business for garden shops.
Maybe thats the business I should get involved in.
Omg! This one tips the scales! Yea, its important to take care of the environment. More power to you!
BUT, with the spike of crime the way it is…and on the rise….I would imagine that PROTECTION OF CITIZENS SHOULD GO BEFORE THAT OF TREES! Its like, dude! there are almost no trees left in this town, however with the spike of crime, soon no people will be left…just a couple of courageous trees that managed to escape the ax of developers. Lakewood Rocks!
Enter Howell.
#4 is right in target here.
The developers and the Township can all go home with that warm good feeling and smile for all the photos, but you & I both know that this is one big JOKE.
I love the trees, but who has time to worry about them?…
Quote”Michael Stillwell, chairman of the Shade Tree Commission said, “I thank the mayor and other members of the township committee. This is a good ordinance for Lakewood and long overdue. I think this ordinance will put us on the right path for protecting the trees and doing a lot better as far as clear-cutting.”
How can they say this and keep a straight face , what a joke they have just about cleared every square inch of land NOW THEY WANT A TREE ORDINACE
Your kidding. Have you seen what the developers have done over the last 10 years. It appears this is being done because of GC
Everybody chill. This is a good ordinance. Yes, it should’ve been done 10 yrs ago, but Steve wasn’t in charge then . When the township(soon to be city) does something good, don’t kvetch about it . Yes there are still lots of trees in the pine street areas, James street areas, etc . The ordinance calls for asking permission before uprooting all those trees. I’m not an enviro-wacko, but I love the trees in Lakewood and think that its good policy to ask before u uproot . In addition, for every tree uprooted, new ones are planted , “Yay” :), two pts for township committee
No one is fooled by this ordinance. It languished in limbo while the developers cleared all of the big parcels. The ordinance will now only haunt the residents that may have a need to remove a tree, while the developers count the profits from the past decade of clear cutting.
Please do not try to insult our intelligence with this dribble.
Bill Hobday
To Bill Hobday says:
Bill your statement is 100% correct and as I said in an earlier post now if you have a tree hanging over your home you have to get a permit to remove it! but the builders can just come in and clear acres of land who are they kidding . Pure nonsense
someones been smokin the trees