June 6, 2012
If you are like me, the whine of chain saws cutting down our street trees cuts into your sense of place, and the thought of idling car engines spewing exhaust sullies your plans for outdoor exercise. To help us fight back and protect our clean and green neighborhoods, there is hopeful news: there are two pending bills in Montgomery that, if passed, will give us some respite and relief from these assaults.
Protecting Our Trees from Excessive Cutting by Utilities
Bill 16-12: Utility Vegetation Management
Hearing: Tuesday, June 12th, 7:30 pm
Take Action:
* Send an email to your Councilmembers - tell them that you support Bill 16-12 because it will protect our trees!
* Sign up to testify by calling the Council Office at 240-777-7803.
Current Sponsors: Councilmembers Berliner and Elrich.
Background: Pepco and its contractors have decimated our street trees countywide. Falling limbs and trees can damage power lines, thus some limited cutting makes sense, but many view Pepco’s tree cutting as grossly excessive. The “Pepco tree massacres” we’ve witnessed – including on Connecticut Ave, and rural roads including Gregg Road -- are robbing us of our tree canopy. This summer, when we have 90 and 100-degree days, we will miss those lost street trees and their shade, beauty, clean air, and stormwater reduction functions.
Key points in the bill: - Utility tree-cutting will be subject to written vegetation management plans that the utilities must submit to the Maryland Public Service Commission - Vegetation Management Plans must list each street where trees are being trimmed or cut down. - Before performing vegetation management on any property, a utility must obtain the prior written consent of the property owner or occupant. An exception to this written consent is provided in the case of Hazardous Trees. - Prohibition on Tree Removal in Rural and Rustic Roads and “character trees” in Historic Districts; exception provided if the utility gains approval by DOT for a written application for a specific tree removal.
Protecting Our Communities and Vulnerable Children from Mega Gas Stations' Air Pollution
Photo Below: ANS Maryland Conservation Associate Dolores Milmoe speaks at the May 10, 2012 Media Conference announcing support for a Zoning Text Amendment to restrict mega-gas stations in Montgomery County. Listening to Dolores are Councilmembers Navarro, Ervin, and Elrich who are supporters of the legislation (ZTA 12-07), and local community leaders from Kensington Heights Civic Association. Photo credit: Neil Greenberger.
Hearing: Tuesday, June 19th, 7:30 pm.
Take Action:
* Send an email to your Councilmembers - tell them that you support ZTA 12-07 because it will protect our communities from gas station pollution.
* Sign up to testify by calling the Council Office at 240-777-7803.
Current Sponsors: Councilmembers Elrich, Ervin, Navarro, and Rice.
Background: Westfield Corporation and its soon-to-be tenant at its Wheaton Mall, Costco, propose to build a mega gas station right next to the Kensington Heights residential neighborhood. Recent science tells us that residents, students, and others in the vicinity of gas stations are exposed to hazardous levels of air toxics and carcinogens. The proposed Costco mega-gas station would be the largest in Montgomery County, would have mega-numbers of idling cars waiting in line to get gas, and would be located near the Stephen Knolls School for children with severe disabilities. Current Montgomery law doesn’t protect us from these hazards, so it needs to be strengthened. The May 10 community press conference included strong support by Councilmembers Elrich, Ervin and Navarro and a statement by Dolores Milmoe.
Key Points in the Bill: - Special zoning exception criteria for any size gas station, includes avoidance of: nuisance pollution fumes; traffic hazards or nuisances; and any harm to the logical future development of the surrounding neighborhood; - In addition to the necessity of meeting the above criteria, gas stations of over 3.6 million gallons/year must be located at least one thousand feet away from any public or private school, park, playground, hospital, or cultural, entertainment, or recreational use. - Where such gas stations meet the above criteria, they must include: - visual screening and lighting restrictions.
This awesome news for Montgomery!!
p.s I feel the same exact way when I smell and see car exhaust. Happy Gardening Diane! Keep on fighting for nature
-Oscar Valencia
Posted by: Tree Service Bronx | 06/08/2012 at 03:54 PM