Zoning Officer: Deadline to Replace Trees Is Aug. 1

In Hellertown, the removal of a shade tree planted between a sidewalk and curb requires replacement with another tree, and Zoning and Codes Enforcement Officer Joe Chernaskey is the official responsible for enforcing the ordinance that specifies this.

At Borough Council's July 5 meeting, Chernaskey issued a public reminder to residents .

Do so by Aug. 1, he said, or risk having a lien placed against your property.

Chernaskey also told council he would be sending out letters of "final notice" to residents who have not replaced their trees since 2009.

"There's roughly about 15 (residents) right now that did not replace (their trees)," he said. "We still have some outstanding."

The liens that would be placed agains property owners who fail to plant the trees themselves would cover replacement costs incurred by the borough, he explained.

Chernaskey also pointed out that a couple property owners recently replaced their trees and notified him of that fact.

For more information about the replacement of shade trees, contact the Borough of Hellertown at 610-838-7041.