Please sign so we can show the City of Worcester that we stand for our trees, specifically we want to protect them from developers.

The current re-development of the Lincoln Square Boys Club by WinnDevelopment highlights the need for Worcester to pass an ordinance to protect our trees. Over a dozen mature trees were removed from Lincoln Square surrounding the memorial and there are no regulations requiring their replacement. This same removal of trees occurs regularly on large scale developments in Worcester.

We support District 5 City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj's call for Worcester to expand our current Responsible Development Ordinance to include environmental protections.

Our city's urban forest is a vital asset, providing clean air, shade, and beauty that enhances our quality of life. We need to require responsible development that guarantees that new development is an asset to our City and not a detriment.

The proposal to strengthen Worcester’s Responsible Development Ordinance has been around for over a year but has not moved forward.

One of the recommendations of the Worcester Now|Next master plan is to reform the City's tree protection requirements. And City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj has recently filed orders  asking the City to draft an urban canopy ordinance which would protect the existing tree canopy by eliminating tree removals on large development projects. 

We support Councilor Haxhiaj's  call for Worcester to expand our current Responsible Development Ordinance to include environmental protections.

Our city's urban forest is a vital asset, providing clean air, shade, and beauty that enhances our quality of life. We need to require responsible development that guarantees that new development is an asset to our City and not detrimental.

 The Worcester Now|Next recommendation urges the City to look to the example set by our neighbor, Providence, Rhode Island. The Providence Tree Protection Ordinance serves as a model for how a city can balance new development with the preservation of its urban forest. This type of ordinance would require developers to obtain a permit before removing significant trees. It would also likely include provisions for a tree replacement program or a fee-in-lieu of planting, ensuring that for every tree removed, our city's tree canopy is replenished and not simply depleted.

Protecting our city’s trees is a matter of public health, climate protection and economic vitality.

• Our tree canopy helps mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and managing stormwater runoff.
• The shade from our trees lowers the urban heat island effect, making our streets and public spaces more comfortable.
• Studies have shown that a robust tree canopy increases property values and attracts businesses and residents.

Expanding our Responsible Development Ordinance to include environmental protections is the next step in making sure we are actively shaping Worcester’s future.