Residents, Officials to Meet Tuesday to Discuss Changes in Tree Laws

As opposition mounts, a public meeting will bring together city staff, elected officials and the public to air concerns over proposed amendments to the city code.

With the city commission scheduled to vote on changes to Miami’s tree protection laws later this month, members of the public are invited to City Hall next week to share their views on the controversial proposal.

The so-called sunshine meeting – which allows elected officials to discuss official business without violating the state’s government transparency laws – will be held Tuesday January 14 at 12:00 p.m. in the commission chambers at City Hall.

Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo, who represents Coconut Grove, requested the meeting.

The proposed changes to the city’s tree protection laws have been widely condemned by environmental organizations and civic groups, arguing they would severely weaken existing laws by removing many permitting requirements for tree removal and by loosening controls over a city fund earmarked for tree plantings. 

Critics say the changes also would allow vast lot clearances of tree canopy for the staging of new construction, and would reduce city oversight of the city’s tree protection laws.

Opponents also question the provenance of the new law, noting the changes were drafted with no public input or notice.

Further, they point out, city officials have acknowledged that the city’s own Environmental Resources Division staff – who oversee tree removal permitting and enforce all tree protection laws – were never consulted on the changes.

Suspicions were further stoked when a prominent lobbyist and land-use attorney, expressing support for the proposed changes at a City Commission meeting last month, acknowledged her role – and those of a client – in the new legislation.

“Commissioner Gabela has been working with the industry,” said Melissa Tapanes, speaking on behalf of the Builders Association of South Florida and in reference to Miami District 1 Commissioner Miguel Gabela, who sponsored the proposed changes.

“We’re working with the commissioner’s office to make it reasonable for both developers and property owners,” she added.

Emails obtained through a public records request and reviewed by the Spotlight confirm Tapanes’ link to the draft amendments. In one October email to Gabela chief of staff, Frank Castañeda, with the subject line “Tree Ordinance,” she wrote “Please let us know how we can assist in incorporating the changes to the proposed legislation and sharing with County staff to ensure their buy-in.

The City Commission will take up the measure, which has twice been deferred, at its next meeting on Thursday January 23. 

Earlier this week, the city’s Climate Resilience Committee (CRC) – a citizen advisory board that helps to propose and draft climate policy – passed a resolution urging the commission to withdraw the proposed legislation from consideration, essentially allowing the process to start anew, with more public input.

“We need to buy some time. We need time to get this right,” CRC board member Silvio Pupo told the Spotlight.

Tuesday’s Sunshine Meeting is open to all. City Hall is located at 3500 Pan American Drive in Coconut Grove.