I have lived in Syosset for 27 years. Nine years ago, I joined STOMP – Save Trees Over More Pavement – a group of residents concerned about the excessive removal of trees along Nassau County roads.
STOMP went to district court to save over 200 healthy oak and sycamore trees on South Oyster Bay Road from destruction. Nearly 3,000 residents signed a petition, but a Brooklyn appeals court ruled in favor of Nassau County, dismissed it, and the trees were soon removed.
We are in a similar situation now. Recently several workers went down our street and spray painted their dreaded orange (usually red) dot at the base of almost every mature tree near the curbs in our neighborhood. I estimate they have tagged about 95% of the trees. It is a war on the trees.
I asked them why these trees were to be removed. To make room for new curbs, I was told. Really?
These trees, which provide vital shade, beauty, improve the climate, increase property values, and provide homes for wildlife, were getting in the way of this important project. Most of the curbs are fine.
It is an outrage that the taxpayers living here were not asked for their opinion.
Many communities in Nassau County have been affected by the county’s fervor to destroy healthy trees and use millions of our tax dollars to do so. Countless trees have been destroyed. Sidewalks and curbs can be repaired without damaging the trees.
When residents want to cut down a tree, we must obtain a form approved by the city. However, Nassau County can destroy the landscape forever, arbitrarily and extensively at its discretion. Many residents have tried to reach the authorities, but most of the time we do not even receive a call back.
STOMP has valiantly tried to preserve trees for our health and that of future generations. County officials should do the same.
Growing up in Nassau County, I developed a love of trees and enjoyed watching them change with the seasons. Most children growing up in Syosset today know nothing of the beauty of a tree-lined street.
It saddens us all that the district destroys trees with the same care as it pulls out weeds.
— Lynn Dakss, Syosset
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