Revised Proposal Approved by Burns Committee Voice Vote
 Tree Ordinance Advisory Committee Chair David Holmes recommends approval of Tree Ordinance to Greenville County Council Committee on Public Planning and Development.
The Tree Ordinance Advisory Committee appointed by Council Chairman Butch Kirven has been holding meetings and discussing possible revisions to the proposed ordinance for several weeks, as they approached a deadline set by Jim Burns, chairman of the PWPD Committee that appears determined to pass the ordinance this year.
The proposed ordinance passed first reading and was returned to the Committee on Public Works, Planning and Development in July for major revisions. Since that time, the advisory committee has held several public meetings during which proposed revisions were discussed.
The proposed Tree Conservation Ordinance is considered by radical environmentalists to be a key part of Greenville’s “Vision 20/25” that complies with the United Nations imposed “Sustainable Development” edict, for which Federal and state lawmakers have quietly cleared the way. It is now up to local governments such as Greenville County Council across the nation to complete the dictatorial deed that is designed to control people through control of their property.
The original proposed ordinance contained 22 pages and was objectionable to property owners and builders alike. The revision consists of 24 pages and an appendix totaling 37 pages.
Holmes said the revised proposal had the full support of all members of the advisory committee that he said was very diverse. He said the proposed ordinance now applies only to developments requiring grading permits and “only property that is disturbed.”
It was claimed that the ordinance would only add $1,100 to $1,300 to a basic new home cost. In response to a question by Councilman Sid Cates, it was stated that the basic salary for one arborist (Tree Czar) would range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year plus benefits. Inspectors to assist the arborist will start at about $29,000 per year. The County staff estimated that first year start-up personnel cost would be about $200,000.
Most of the original proposal, such as 50’ strip of undisturbed trees on each side of a stream, permits, tree bank and penalties for non-compliance remain in the ordinance.
The five council members serving on the committee voted approval: They are Jim Burns, Xanthene Norris, Sid Cates, Cort Flynt and Fred Payne.
Only seven votes will be required to pass the ordinance in the full council.
The dominant media is expected to advocate passage of the tree ordinance. Concerned citizens, especially property owners would be well-advised to obtain a copy of the ordinance from their council member or from the council staff and become familiar with the far-reaching provisions of this restriction on private property before it is too late to react.
A public hearing will be held on the tree ordinance at the next meeting of Greenville County Council, November 6 at 6:30. It will be voted on at second reading during the same meeting. No further public comments will be permitted after the public hearing.
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