David Weekley Homes has been whipsawed by a local government plan in Oviedo, Florida that would allow the builder to remove several "heritage" trees that are dying–at a cost. The Orlando Sentinel reports:
Oviedo City Council members voted last week to allow David Weekley Homes to remove and replace four dying heritage trees on its properties in the Evans Square subdivision.
But with a hefty price tag.
The builder will pay $9,000 into the city’s tree bank, donate $50,000 to the Friends of Oviedo charity, plant two replacement trees on each of the four lots in addition to 36 trees throughout the subdivision and place three shade structures in the neighborhood pending homeowner association approval.
The builder calls it an “illegal exaction.’’ Residents and council members who are upset at losing the trees say it’s only fair.
