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Thanks to our recent petition and legal action, we and nearly 5,000 people like you forced the city to halt the destruction of more trees and to release its "Memorandum of Understanding" with Baltimore Racing Development that outlines their tree restoration plan. However, careful study of the agreement reveals that it has no teeth.

What happens if Baltimore Racing Development goes belly up?  What happens if the trees die?

As written, there is no specific remedy proposed in the MOU if BRD goes bankrupt. And if a tree dies? BRD is obligated to pay the city only $500 each; that's if it has any money left.

So, who's on the hook if BRD fails to live up to its obligations? According to sources at the City Office of Sustainability, taxpayers will end up footing the bill.

We don't think that's right. If you think Baltimore Racing Development should be held accountable to its obligations to the city, please sign this petition specifically asking the city and BRD to sign an amendment to the MOU that puts a real dollar amount, and penalties, onto the tree plan and ensures that taxpayers won't be left holding the bag.

There is ample cause for concern. This week, the troubled founder of the Grand Prix has sued BRD for $750,000, and another investor is also pledging to file suit for $320,000. And Councilman Bill Cole went on the record stating that he didn't expect the event to make any money. We can't leave the tree restoration plan to chance.

The Mayor, City Council, and BRD must undo the damage that's been done. Pledges to restore our urban green scape are meaningless if they are not fulfilled. Over 70 trees, some irreplaceable and over 40 years old, have been lost. We must hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that the proposed restoration is fully funded – and before any other creditors are paid.

Please sign this new petition which demands that the Mayor and City Council negotiate an amendment with BRD that covers the costs of the Tree Plan, and ensures that taxpayers will not be left holding the bag.

The Amended MOU must specify either an irrevocable Letter of Credit, a Confession of Judgment (giving Baltimore City preference before other creditors in the event of bankruptcy), or another financial device that guarantees BRD will cover all costs associated with replanting, maintenance, watering and replacement of any dead trees, for a period of five years.