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projects for the protection of nature and neighborhoods

From "Environmental Justice and Equity Implementation Committee"

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The city should only allow projects aligned with the sustainability goals of sustainability and affordability for current and new Bethlehem residents.

Whenever the city allows developers to build huge concrete parking lots and buildings, we destroy irreplaceable natural resources such as ancient trees that take hundreds of years to grow and we take away the historic character of the city

Every time this happens, the existing homes adjacent to these huge developments, suffer more from the effects of climate change because the homes become hotter and more susceptible to wind and rain, pollution, noise etc.

We cannot create housing for new residents by making the living conditions of the current residents of Bethlehem deplorable.

Let us make Bethlehem Tree City USA by being sensitive to the natural resources we already have; and by not letting others destroy our resources and historic character.

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Profile of Gail Domalakes
Posted by:Gail Domalakes
2 years ago
Could not agree more, I would love to see a real value placed on mature trees. It is so important to protect mature trees (as well as plant new ones) All one needs to do is walk around town to feel the heat islands and how they are mitigated when you enter a space with mature trees But how do we place that value? I only see community outreach as the way because property owners can do what they want with any mature trees.
    Profile of Daiyana Rodriguez
    Posted by:Daiyana Rodriguez
    2 years ago
    @Gail Domalakes  Thank you for your reply! I agree with you. Not all property owners value their mature trees. Unfortunately, even when property owners like myself want to protect our mature trees, we have a difficult time defending our natural resources, from developers who are allowed to build too close to our property lines. As a consequence, the root system of our mature trees gets damaged along with other natural resources. The natural habitat of animals gets destroyed and the list goes on. Finally, without the protection of trees and natural resources in general, our homes become hotter and more susceptible to erosion, wind, rain, etc. and therefore, more expensive to maintain.

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      Profile of Daiyana RodriguezDaiyana Rodriguez on May 5, 2024

      Current status

      proposed

      Tags

      Nature and biodiversity
      Sustainable development
      Community development