This bill aims to remove hazards from sidewalks and improve the aesthetic of city neighborhoods by requiring the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation to replace trees and vegetation in empty tree pits. In cases where replanting is not feasible, the Commissioner would be required to remove the tree pit.
- Filed (End of Session)
History
Int. No. 1640
By Council Members Koo, Salamanca and Gentile
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to abandoned tree pits
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 1 of title 18 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 18-148 to read as follows:
§ 18-148 Abandoned tree pits. a. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
Abandoned tree pit. The term “abandoned tree pit” means a tree pit that is without trees or vegetation.
Tree pit. The term “tree pit” means any unpaved space in a sidewalk in which trees or vegetation are planted.
b. The commissioner shall inspect any location upon notice that there is an abandoned tree pit at such location.
c. The commissioner shall, within three months of the inspection required pursuant to subdivision b of this section, plant a tree or vegetation in any abandoned tree pit within the jurisdiction of the commissioner, except in instances of structural damage pursuant to subdivision d of this section.
d. In instances where the commissioner is unable to plant trees or vegetation in an abandoned tree pit due to structural damage, the commissioner shall, in consultation with the commissioner of transportation, remove the tree pit within three months of the inspection required pursuant to subdivision b of this section.
e. Nothing in this section affects the operation of any other law or regulation relating to the planting, cultivation or removal of trees and vegetation within the jurisdiction of the commissioner.
§ 2. This local law takes effect 180 days after it becomes law, except that the commissioner of parks and recreation shall take such measures as are necessary for the implementation of this local law, including the promulgation of rules, before such date.
SSY
LS # 9905
6/2/2017 11:18am