Council postpones tree ordinance vote

Mayor Hardberger told a crowd of environmentalists May 18th that Council will not vote on tree ordinance amendments until "late June or August". It is not clear what Council has planned. Hardberger may be contemplating significant revisions that will address the city-wide tree canopy deficit while at the same time incorporating changes requested by the development industry.

Encouraging signs

Many concerned people, carrying leafy tree branches, attended the May 18th "Citizens to be Heard" session to speak against changes to the City's tree ordinance. City Council members responded positively to their presentations. Read one of the eloquent speeches by clicking here.

Phil Hardberger was particularly impressive by knowing the current overall tree cover in San Antonio (27%) and wanting more information on ordinances that control canopy cover on development sites. Roland Gutierrez asked for information on the air pollution removal benefits of Mesquite. Patti Radle had several questions about the mechanics of the tree ordinance.

Thank you to these folks who came to the meeting waving their tree branches

Sierra Club - Jerry Morrissey, Dave Klar, Margaritte Maldonado, Doris Johnston, Mary ???
Smart Growth-SA - Allen Townsend (wearing his "Standing Tall for trees & free speech" shirt), Marianne Kestenbaum, Loyd Cortez, Ray McDonald
Bexar Audubon - Tony Wood, Susan Hughes, Bill Hurley
SA Conservation Society - Barbara Johnson, Claire Golden, several others
Scenic SA - Judith Infante, Heather DeGrella
AGUA - George Rice, Annalisa Peace, Gene Elder
Native Plant Society - several members
Oakland Estates NA - Sue Snyder & friend
COPS/Metro Alliance - Elia Basurto
League of Women Voters - Elaine Talarski
10 Tree Challenge - Phil Schulman
Citizens Tree Coalition - Marty Hixon, Mary Wisniewski, Erin Zayko

Also, thanks to those who attended previous "Citizens to be Heard":

Sierra Club - Loyd Cortez, Jerry Morrissey
Dellview Area NA - Mariana Ornelas, Janice & Phil Petmecky
Scenic San Antonio - Kathy Trenchard
District 9 Neighborhood Alliance - Art Downey
Palo Alto College - Theresa
cTc - Deborah Martin
Chance & Angela Ruder