Property Rights vs. Developmental Regulation

 

Teaneck, N.J. has many mature trees. A number of Bergen County townships have tree ordinances, but some members of the Teaneck Township Council are concerned about infringing upon private property rights.

Bernard Levine, of Teaneck, N.J. has started an online petition to urge the township council to regulate tree cutting on private property. He objects to the large number of trees developers have toppled to build larger homes on lots in his West Englewood neighborhood the last few years.

As of mid-August, Levine had gathered more than 200 signatures to stop developers from cutting mature trees and leaving new home lots treeless.
Teaneck has many big and beautiful old trees and West Englewood petitioners fear the neighborhood?EUR??,,????'???s character is being diminished.

The Bergen County towns of Englewood, Mahwah, Upper Saddle River and Franklin Lakes have already passed tree ordinances. Some members of the Teaneck Township Council, however, are not willing to regulate private property rights; others on the council are ambivalent. The mayor?EUR??,,????'???s office supports regulation to maintain property values and for the environmental benefits of saving trees. source: New Jersey.com