Park board to hold pubic hearing for tree removal assessments

A cut tree showing damage from emerald ash borer. Photo by David Pierini

The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board will hold a public hearing on Nov. 15 for property owners who face a special assessment over the forced removal of a tree diseased by emerald ash borer. 

Inspectors have condemned hundreds of trees in North Minneapolis and for those who do not pay for tree removal, MPRB can assess the costs on property taxes over five, 10 or 20 years. 

Northsiders have been pleading with MPRB to halt the condemnations or provide financial assistance for low-income residents unable to pay. The board earlier this year suspended assessments but that will likely end after Wednesday’s hearing. 

While the controversy has led to the city receiving grant money for hardship cases, the new money is not available for retroactive relief. Park officials are appealing to philanthropy groups for money to assist those with a tree removal bill already on their tax bill. 

Property owners can appeal an assessment if they submit a written signed objection o the MPRB secretory prior to the hearing. In some documented cases, the removal of a single tree can run $4,000 to $6,000.

Homeowners must select a hardship option by Nov. 15 or a five-year repayment plan is automatically placed on their property taxes.

“I want to see people speak up about this issue,” said environmental activist Roxanne O’Brien, whose mother was impacted by a forced tree removal. “I want the parks board to be held accountable to an equitable process. I want them to also be responsible for the bills and the harm they’ve caused.”