News & Features
Trees, Trees, Towers
By VN Staff
Jul 23, 2008 - 1:25:01 PM

Maybe it’s the summer heat that has gotten local decision makers considering trees. It could be that they are wishing they were sitting in some cool shade rather than the hot seat of their administrative positions.

During last week’s Chesterfield County Planning Commission sessions, the group considered mass grading and tree saving code amendments relative to the Upper Swift Creek Plan, which is part of the Chesterfield County Comprehensive. At least one speaker who addressed the planning commission alluded to the plan going countywide.

The ordinance would provide that trees be preserved, planted, or replaced so that within 20 years of development, there will be a minimum tree canopy of 15% for a residential site zoned between 10 and 20 units per acre, and a canopy of 20% for a residential site zoned 10 units or less per acre.  The ordinance would also include provisions for reducing canopies or granting credit in consideration of preserving existing trees or trees of outstanding characteristics.

The county’s environmental engineering depart also asked that the commission change the ordinance to forbid clearcutting by developers.

The commission passed the tree save section of the code amendment, but deferred discussion of the clear cutting or mass grading section of the ordinance until its October 21 meeting.

Meanwhile, Invisible Towers LLC, a cell phone tower provider, made a presentation to the commission last week during its work session. The company has cell tower applications filed for towers that would look like pine trees, only the pines could be 150 feet tall. A tower proposed to be located on Harrowgate Rd. near Grace Lutheran Church would be a candidate for the pine tree camouflage; it is planned for 128 feet.

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