By Scott Unger • Of the News-Register • 

City orders development to stop work after unapproved tree felling

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Comments

B

What a shame! If you haven't, drive by and take a look. Hard to believe that this developer unintentionally destroyed all these trees. Any "remedy" should include punitive damages. Are criminal charges a possibility? I can just hear the c suite at Holt saying; "What's a small town like McMinnville going to do if we just go in and plow it all down."

David S. Wall

Mr. Unger, [HB 4131] referenced for the [$2,000,000] Grant is incorrect.

[HB 4134] is the correct Legislation conferring the [$2,000,000] grant.

Like all 'Grants' [HB 4134] has its' unique obligations.

'Obligations' deriving from 'Oregon Legislative Grants' ensures taxpayers will be screwed.

Review TEXT [HB 4134]: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB4134/Enrolled

In the case of [HB 4134] the NR should review the 'Legislative Grant Obligations' attached to the [$2,000,000].

To McMinnville's favor is, "(c) In addition to any other remedies, the owner is liable to repay to the city the amount of the infrastructure grant under this section if the units are not developed or the affordability is not maintained as required in this subsection, except for delays outside of the owner’s control."

The Honorable City Attorney could have some fun with the aforementioned contract condition.

Could a remedy exist where the City of McMinnville recoups the [$2,000,000] 'Legislative Grant Obligated monies' from the Developer to repay the State of Oregon's Legislative Grant, pocketing the pump lift-station in the process, until the White Oak Trees are replanted by Developer and grow to maturity?

The Developer did knowingly and with reckless and or callous disregard did cut down the White Oak Trees.

David S. Wall

NJINILNCCAOR

I’m glad city staff and others are paying attention.

Abuses or lack of respect for rules has ruined many cities across the country.

We can’t let this happen here.

Throw the book at them.

NativeOregonian

There used to be wonderful groves of oak trees along Baker Creek Rd....

hikerboy

Not surprised at all about this.

BC

In this case, I think the developer needs to be financially penalized AND have to plant 2 new trees for every single one they cut down and be financially responsible to see those trees to maturity. None of the area should be allowed to be built upon.

Anything less would be rewarding developers to break the rules as long as it gets the city more housing. Sure feels like that was the intention all along.

Don Dix

NativeOregonian - Elk's park, just east of Mormon Church

Ron

Oaks are old and beautiful agreed sad to loose but get over it. Ray Kauer long time Yamhill County farmer planned on that land being developed many many years ago. That’s Development! The city wants housing trees have to go. Just like Don mentioned, the old Elks Park and the big oak tree on Baker Creek Road all gone. I have seen homes in other areas with trees growing through the living room. There’s a novel idea. Sounds like the City’s fine with it if they get their half million dollars @ 550$ a tree. Make up your mind Heather Richards develop single-family homes or keep stacking up, ugly apartment complexes all over town. Future slums. Sad!

Bigfootlives

Does anyone know if they are selling any of the trees that they have cut down? I’d love to get my hands on some nice quarter sawn white oak!

What, too soon? Trees are people too, you know!

Otis

Sasquatch habitat is being destroyed.

Megan

It's been decades and I'm still angry about the time this happened in what is now the Walmart parking lot. Some of those parking spots should still be 200 year old oak trees.

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