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The proposed Greenville County Tree Ordinance that was given First Reading by County Council, July 17th, is not a satisfactory proposal, according to some members of the County Tree Policy Advisory Committee that was credited with drafting the proposal.
Builders surveyed by The Times Examiner estimate that the proposal as currently written, if enforced, would increase the cost of housing 10 to 15 percent.
“Who wants to pay $20,000 more for a $200,000 house?” one developer asked.
“Most developers are not opposed to a reasonable tree ordinance,” said Ted Smith of Poinsett Homes. Smith is concerned that first time home owners will be hurt most by the proposed ordinance as written.
Added cost to a development must be passed on to the purchaser of a completed home, as is the case with increased cost of material and labor.
Other builders point to contradictions in various parts of the 22 page document under consideration.
Steven D. Smith, a member of the Tree Policy Advisory Committee, had understood that the proposed ordinance would exempt trees on property that was not being developed, and tracts devoted to the growth and harvesting of trees.
The proposed ordinance was rushed before Greenville County Council apparently with the knowledge that it was not acceptable.
Such reckless behavior by county leaders raises several important questions:
Why does Greenville County need a tree ordinance?
Who decided there was a need for a tree ordinance?
What is the reason for rushing to pass a tree ordinance even if it is a bad one?
Is there any capacity for applying “common sense” in Green-ville County government?
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