Dear Editor,Okay, let me break this down because I just found out about this ordinance today so naturally I wanted to do some research and spoke to an arborist about it. Whether they agree with the ordinance is not what I’m going to discuss here.  I’m mainly concerned how the ordinance and cost seem to shift the burden unfairly. This new ordinance will be a money grab that unfairly burdens family homeowners in Jersey City. The city is introducing an expensive and time-consuming process for removing trees, even for hazardous or invasive ones. It’s an overreach that feels like we’re being treated as if we have no rights to manage our own property. Meanwhile, developers, who have already removed countless native plants and trees to build their concrete structures, face far fewer obstacles.Here’s what this process means for homeowners, with the estimated costs involved:Hire an Arborist: Homeowners are required to pay for an arborist to assess the tree’s value. This service typically costs between $300 and $700. There’s no limit on what the arborist can charge, making it an open-ended expense. Pay Fees for Tree Value: After the assessment, homeowners must pay the value assigned to the tree just to get permission to remove it. This could range widely, potentially costing between $200 and $1,000 or more, depending on the size and species of the tree. The lack of a clear cap on these fees makes the process unpredictable and costly. Notify Neighbors: The ordinance requires homeowners to send certified mail to every property owner within 200 feet, which can easily add up. Sending notifications to 10-30 neighbors can cost around $8 per letter, totaling anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on the number of neighbors. Wait for Approval: Even after all these expenses, homeowners must wait for approval from the city forester. While there isn’t a direct financial cost for waiting, the delays could lead to risks if the tree is dangerous, potentially causing property damage or injuries while waiting for a decision.Estimated Total Cost for the Permitting Process:Low Estimate: Around $600High Estimate: $2,200 or moreThese costs don’t include the time and frustration involved in navigating the bureaucracy.The city claims this ordinance is required by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), but that’s misleading. “The DEP’s model ordinance is far less burdensome, requiring permits only for removing more than four trees per acre and skipping the costly notification process.” — Ron, Jersey City residentJersey City’s version seems more focused on squeezing money from residents rather than simply following state guidelines.Why should we pay these excessive fees while developers get a pass? This ordinance misses the real issue—developers stripping our neighborhoods of green spaces. Instead, it places another financial burden on those of us already struggling with rising property taxes, fees, and living costs. A fairer solution would protect our environment without punishing homeowners with unnecessary financial burdens.Sincerely,Rev. Raymond Angel Guzman-CaraballoBoricua Community Building CenterWard B, Jersey City McGinley Square ResidentThe post Letter: New Tree Removal Ordinance Will be an Expensive Burden on Homeowners appeared first on Jersey City Times.