“Shady” tree private fix by Mary Cheh for developer?

[Anonymous]

There’s an op-ed column in this week’s Northwest Current that is very concerning. A developer seeking to do a subdivision in Wesley Heights faced a signficant obstacle under the DC Tree Canopy Protection Act to cut down a 120-year old, 200’ tall, heritage tree. The fine to remove the tree would have been nearly $38,000. However, Council Member Mary Cheh inserted a private fix in the form of a one-paragraph amendment to the law, that was added to the 124-page 2018 Budget Support Act and which in effect singled out the tree, exempting it from protection. Once the Act passed, the developer immediately applied for a removal permit and the tree was cut down with no payment to the District. However, it seems that the developer failed even to comply with the favorable terms of Cheh’s special favor, which provided that the tree could be exempted only after Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs approved the building permit for a new house. However, DCRA has not issued the permit. Now the developer is arguing that it cut the heritage tree because the tree was “ailing”, but the law requires a heritage tree must be declared a hazard by a certified member of the International Society of Arboriculture to be eligible for such removal.

Clearly Cheh has some ‘spainin’ to do, on how this seemingly “shady” tree favor was provided to a developer, who then proceeded to spurn the minimal requirement of the private fix it secured. Does this self-styled D.C. champion of transparent, good governance and "green" advocate have a different notion of green in mind?

[Anonymous]

I can't comment on the particulars of this case but it highlights one of the huge reasons to be in elected office:

1. Enrich yourself and to do special favors for your friends and family
2. Punish your enemies
3. Feed your ego
(apologies to Tony Kornheiser)

From the high school class president to city council to the White House.

[Anonymous]

It sure looks like a dirty deal for a favored party. Et tu, Cheh?

[Anonymous]

So they will have to pay at least right. Turns my stomach to lose a tree that old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So they will have to pay at least right. Turns my stomach to lose a tree that old.

Can't replace that tree.

Disgusting greed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So they will have to pay at least right. Turns my stomach to lose a tree that old.

That's unclear. It seems like the developer had this wired and, with Cheh's support, the agencies will likely pass on it.

This thing stinks. And Cheh is a law professor?!

[Anonymous]

Wow. This is devastating for Cheh. Did she decide to channel Vincent Orange to corrupt a process for a favored crony?

[Anonymous]

Mary Cheh has a 2nd job with one of the biggest employers/land owners in DC and she sits on the council and makes $200K/yr. in that job and you think that's okay?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mary Cheh has a 2nd job with one of the biggest employers/land owners in DC and she sits on the council and makes $200K/yr. in that job and you think that's okay?

Evans and Bonds say 'hold my beer"

[Anonymous]

Who is the developer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mary Cheh has a 2nd job with one of the biggest employers/land owners in DC and she sits on the council and makes $200K/yr. in that job and you think that's okay?

Evans and Bonds say 'hold my beer"

How do we change this? Most city council council do not allow for this double dipping. I live in ward 3 and honestly can't see how Cheh has done one thing for quality of life besides those post box pictures on the sidewalk, which I like. She approves constant development without sufficient parking on purpose to "green us" (but the real result. Is just more parking woes) , and now chops down heritage trees from one of the most pristine canopies in DC? Speechless at the hypocrisy.

[Anonymous]

Your choice? You'll vote for Cheh because she reminds you of you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mary Cheh has a 2nd job with one of the biggest employers/land owners in DC and she sits on the council and makes $200K/yr. in that job and you think that's okay?

Evans and Bonds say 'hold my beer"

How do we change this? Most city council council do not allow for this double dipping. I live in ward 3 and honestly can't see how Cheh has done one thing for quality of life besides those post box pictures on the sidewalk, which I like. She approves constant development without sufficient parking on purpose to "green us" (but the real result. Is just more parking woes) , and now chops down heritage trees from one of the most pristine canopies in DC? Speechless at the hypocrisy.

It's the story of the Lorax. We're dependent on the people wielding the power to use it wisely. An old growth city tree can't be replaced. Cheh can be, but it still won't replace the tree.

[Anonymous]

I don't believe Chen is personally corrupt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mary Cheh has a 2nd job with one of the biggest employers/land owners in DC and she sits on the council and makes $200K/yr. in that job and you think that's okay?

Evans and Bonds say 'hold my beer"

How do we change this? Most city council council do not allow for this double dipping. I live in ward 3 and honestly can't see how Cheh has done one thing for quality of life besides those post box pictures on the sidewalk, which I like. She approves constant development without sufficient parking on purpose to "green us" (but the real result. Is just more parking woes) , and now chops down heritage trees from one of the most pristine canopies in DC? Speechless at the hypocrisy.

It's the story of the Lorax. We're dependent on the people wielding the power to use it wisely. An old growth city tree can't be replaced. Cheh can be, but it still won't replace the tree.

Not voting her in and voting in a republican rather than a crony socialist would send a strong message of protection for future trees.