This vote followed discussion on the final report prepared by the Tree Preservation Subcommittee. The Subcommittee was appointed by the Planning Board in response to citizen complaints and Board member concerns about egregious tree removal on some building lots in town. A copy of this report is available on the Town’s web site at www.concordma.gov\TreePSReport .

The Subcommittee, formed in January, 2016, spent several months conducting public outreach to determine the views of residents. The Subcommittee reviewed possible alternative measure for tree preservation and examined existing bylaws in other Massachusetts communities. One conclusion was that any such by-law for Concord would apply only to building lots where a building permit application was required for demolition and/or substantial new construction. Another recommendation was that a bylaw should encourage minimum cutting and maximum mitigation, so as to preserve the character of Concord and its neighborhoods.

The Planning Board will be evaluated the two alternative bylaws included in the Subcommittee’s report at the meeting on October 25th and would welcome citizens participation on this important topic.