MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A vote on proposed changes to Miami’s tree ordinance has been deferred until April, Miami commissioners decided Thursday after hours of public protests at City Hall in Coconut Grove.
Residents accused city leaders of catering to developers by attempting to ease restrictions on cutting down trees.
Opponents of the proposal called the changes “flawed and deceptive” and expressed concern over the influence of building lobbyists.
City officials defended the proposal, stating it aims to “simplify the requirements necessary to obtain a tree permit for all residents and business entities within the city” and to promote the development of the city’s tree canopy.
For now, the contentious debate over balancing development with environmental preservation will continue.
To hear more of what Miami-Dade residents had to say about the recent deferral, watch the video below.
Miami City Commission deferred the first reading of a controversial tree ordinance to April which means those who came to speak on the issue couldn’t during public comment leading some like Sue Cassidy to express frustration. Background: https://t.co/kEfyvk4Cxj @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/v2CYKhbMog
— Christina Vazquez (@ChristinaWPLG) January 23, 2025