To the editor:
I am a 19-plus year resident of Lynnfield. I moved to Lynnfield for several reasons. I like its convenience and quick access to all highways. I like the school system and I like the fact that it is just rural enough without feeling like I live in the woods.
We have lots and lots of wooded areas here in town and throughout our neighborhoods. Our town is not lacking trees. I am writing to you because I feel there are two sides to this tree bill that is coming up at our next Town Meeting.
As a taxpayer, I share with others the opinion that the Town Of Lynnfield does not have a right to delegate to us on our own property what trees we are allowed to have and not have in our yards. I feel this is a personal violation of my rights as a voter and taxpayer, and I am not for this new bill being passed and sugar-coated in the local paper.
At the last Town Meeting, this vote for the tree bill was moved due to the fact that the opposition knew on that day that there were more people who disagreed with the town coming onto our property and telling us how to landscape our yards, so they dismissed the vote and now are using media to talk people into giving up their rights as property owners and to let the town decide how we can treat our own properties.
All the blah blah in the recent articles means nothing as far as preserving the trees in our town. I think we do a pretty good job already, and we do not have poor air quality as a town, so all the tree-hugging data to me is just another way of making people think we need every tree to improve our air quality.
There is no proof of this that has been scientifically proven or studied as far as Lynnfield goes. If it has, I have not seen any of it. They are just using basic information from other studies not done on town property here.
Our town needs new paved roads; it’s a disgrace how our streets look everywhere, yet they fine you for taking a tree or two away from your property to make money for the town, even though it can’t maintain its streets.
My point is there are more important issues that need attention here in town. This is just a smokeshow to take the focus off more important issues, like our poor quality of water. Trees do not affect our water.
One of the men on the Tree Committee told us at the last Town Meeting how Needham and Newton have laws in place telling you what to do with your property. If he feels like he likes those towns rules better, may I suggest he moves there and leaves the taxpayers of Lynnfield alone.
Cher Ornae
Lynnfield
