Recently, homeowners in Queens took matters into their own hands, cutting down over a dozen city-owned trees to enhance their million-dollar views. Some local residents, activists say, are becoming notorious for damaging the waterfront area around Powell’s Cove Park, often disguised as attempts to remove invasive plants or maintain the park.
Kat Cherubino, president of the Coastal Conservation Network, described the situation as “a bit of the Wild West,” recalling that she witnessed the destruction firsthand while preparing for a beach cleanup. She could hardly believe her eyes when an elderly man was allegedly cutting down trees, leaving only stumps behind.
Manuel Rueda, an 85-year-old homeowner, defended his actions, claiming he was merely dealing with dense bamboo threatening the foundation of his waterfront home, surrounded by properties valued between $830,000 and $1.5 million. He lamented that collateral damage—more than a dozen trees—occurred during the bamboo removal.
Rueda has been asking the Parks Department for help in removing the invasive bamboo, which had grown as tall as his building and jeopardized his home’s foundation. He feels the bamboo’s encroachment presents dangers not just to his property but also to neighborhood children and pedestrians on narrow sidewalks.
Interestingly, Rueda conceded that improving his view was a secondary motivation for cutting down the bamboo. He mentioned that seeing his neighbors do similar things encouraged him, saying, “Why not?”
The Parks Department acknowledged that Powell’s Cove Park has faced numerous tree-cutting incidents, but no charges have been filed. Cherubino speculated that the neighborhood’s secluded nature might allow residents to evade accountability.
According to conservationists, violations have risen in the area, with homeowners increasingly expanding their backyards, constructing concrete walls, and even running plumbing through public spaces while cutting down trees.
It’s crucial to note that cutting down city-owned trees is illegal, with penalties reaching up to $15,000 in fines and possible jail time. The state Department of Conservation pointed out the significance of vegetation along wetlands, highlighting its role in flood mitigation and soil stabilization.
Destroying city and state park property carries severe consequences. The Department of Environmental Conservation warns that those removing vegetation in regulated wetlands could face fines of up to $10,000 per day for every violation, along with mandated replanting. Moreover, the City Parks Department can impose additional fines and legal action for serious infractions.
Park officials stressed the importance of keeping hands off city trees without proper permits, reiterating that trees represent invaluable resources for New York City. Damaging them undermines both the efforts of park staff and the community’s dedication to preserving outdoor spaces.
