Controversy over tree ordinance to be aired
Walrath announces resignation from Borough Council
BY LIZ SHEEHAN
Correspondent

FAIR HAVEN - Residents will have a chance to express their opinions about a controversial ordinance that would regulate tree removal on their properties at the Borough Council meeting June 11 when a public hearing on the ordinance will be held.

The hearing will precede the council vote on whether or not the measure will become law.

After Councilman Christopher Rinn, a member of the council subcommittee that has been drawing up the ordinance, explained some of the details of the proposal, which is scheduled to be introduced at the next council meeting May 21, Councilman Tom Schissler said, "We should have a town meeting on it."

Schissler said there were many people in town who were against the proposal as well as those who support it.

"Let everyone have it out," he said.

But Mayor Michael Halfacre said that the public hearing on the ordinance at the council meeting on June 11 would be a forum for residents to tell the council how they feel about it.

"Go home and tell all your friends, for and against," about the public hearing on the ordinance, he said. "Spread the word please."

Rinn said the subcommittee had worked on editing provisions of the ordinance, including the size and type of trees to be regulated and what special considerations should be given to historic trees.

Councilman Christopher Walrath said he wanted the application process for permits to remove trees "to be simple, timely, and not cost a lot of money."

Rinn said that it was important to enforce the ordinance's provisions if it becomes law.

"I think we have to be tough on it," he said.

Several residents attending the meeting spoke in favor of the ordinance.

Barbara Dillon said she supports the ordinance. She said the builders of River Oaks had preserved the trees in the development so that the area was still very desirable and redevelopment could change that.

The removal of trees in the area would "destroy the aesthetic value that Fair Haven has struggled to preserve," she said.

In February, the council considered another ordinance to regulate tree removal but it was not adopted.

In other business at the meeting, Walrath said he would be resigning his council position.

Halfacre said that Walrath would be honored at the next council meeting, May 21, for his service to the borough.

Walrath, an attorney, was a council member from 1994 through 2000 and from 2003 to the present. His term of office would have expired on January 2008. He is also a former member of the Zoning Board. Walrath has lived in the borough since 1986.