Not only is Falls Township speaking for the trees, but the township is also taking the work of the Lorax a step further by collecting fees in lieu of tree replanting.
During Monday’s Falls Supervisors meeting, the board amended an ordinance related to tree protection standards to add a fee in lieu of tree replacement.
Township attorney Lauren Gallagher said the ordinance is not related to residential removal and planting of shade trees, adding that the ordinance is “pretty standard.”
Wherever tree removal has occurred or is planned, related documentation must be forwarded to the township’s Shade Tree Commission, as well as the township engineer for review and recommendation.
“The Board of Supervisors, in its sole discretion, may determine that a fee in lieu of tree replacement of owner removed trees is appropriate,” according to the ordinance.
Some of the conditions warranting a fee include situations that make it impractical or not feasible to replace trees, such as topography, hazardous conditions, impacts in environmentally sensitive areas, as well as a recommendation from the Shade Tree Commission and/or the township engineer that certain trees approved for removal do not need to be replaced.
If it is determined that Falls will accept a fee in lieu of tree replanting, the fee paid should be equal to the costs of tree replacement in the proposed permit, subdivision or land developed as verified by the township engineer.
Fees will only be used in the following manner: “For the preservation, protection and replacement of trees throughout the township,” the ordinance reads. “For the maintenance of plantings and existing trees on township property and the care and preservation of heritage trees located on public or private property.”
In other business, the board accepted stipulations to settle tax assessment appeals for properties located at 1 Geoffrey Drive and 2 Geoffrey Drive. As part of the agreement, 1 Geoffrey Drive will see an increase in assessment of property effective Jan. 1, 2023 from $1,580,500 to $3,352,900. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the assessment of property shifts from $1,580,500 to $3,103,300. Meanwhile, 2 Geoffrey Drive will see an increase in assessment of property effective Jan. 1, 2023 from $179,200 to $327,840. Effective Nov. 1, 2023, the assessment increases from $221,890 to $327,840; and effective Jan. 1, 2024, the assessment increases from $221,890 to $303,840.
