City of Richmond Counsellor Chak Au reports (on March 28, 2012):
I have asked city staff to conduct an on-site inspection to assess the situation. It was discovered that the unauthorized preloading has affected seven trees located in the middle of the development site. Fortunately, 165 other trees, including three significant trees and one high value tree, were not affected.
According to city staff, all seven trees were in very poor condition prior to the preloading. Based on the existing poor conditions of the trees, a tree removal permit would have been issued regardless of the site being developed. I also understand that the tree issue at this site will be addressed in the upcoming rezoning report prepared by city staff.
