D.R. HORTON is a poorly managed monopolist that endangers worker safety and the environment.
D.R. HORTON admitted illegally cutting down 100 year old trees in Fort Worth, Texas, escaping a $1.5 million tree-killing fine.
Ipse dixit, it can't fix it.
D.R. HORTON wants to destroy Fish Island and presented false nd misleading testimony at the July 3, 2018 St. Augustine PZB meeting, falsely claiming that an active bald eagle nest was "abandoned."
Next meeting: Tuesday, August 7, 2018, 2 PM, Alcazr Room, 75 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida.
D.R. Horton executive admits they 'went too far' in clearing trees for a project
FORT WORTH
An executive with Arlington-based D.R. Horton apologized to a Fort Worth commission Thursday for clearing too many trees from an east Fort Worth development, saying the company "went too far."
Mark Allen, a principal and vice president of the nation's largest homebuilder, told the Urban Design Commission that the company did not gain financially by doing so and said it was a mistake. He further admitted he hasn't been able to determine how the mistake was made, only that there was a miscommunication.
"We sincerely regret the over-clearing that has occurred," Allen said. "In a couple of places, we went too far. It's hurt us publicly. We are sorry for the mistake that occurred. We just want to make it right and move on."
The company will not have to pay a fine because it has agreed to plant many more trees than what was required under the city's tree preservation ordinance. Horton faced a possible $1.5 million fine.The tree clearing was one of the most egregious violations of Fort Worth's tree preservation ordinance since it was enacted in 2009. It happened at a 51.5-acre forest off Randol Mill Road, just north of John T. White Boulevard in east Fort Worth. Horton is building a 219-home development called Trinity Oaks, aimed at first-time home buyers.
The company was asking the commission to forgive it for violating the ordinance. The company asked for a waiver to retain less than the required 25 percent of existing canopy. The site started with 90 percent canopy coverage, but was taken down to 20.7 percent.
Horton had an urban forestry plan approved by the city in March 2016, but by that August the site had been cleared. A citizen reported the violation last March.
The commission unanimously denied Horton's request, instead accepting the penalty settlement the company reached with city staff to replace trees at the site and in the nearby public right of way. At least 62 percent of the replacement trees, which could total about 180 medium and large trees, will be done at the development site.
The settlement includes 60,000 square feet of canopy coverage to bring it to the required 25 percent, as well as an additional 300,000 square feet of canopy as a penalty. The penalty is five times the amount needed to meet the required 25 percent.
Details regarding what types of trees and their location will be worked out between the company and city staff in the next couple of weeks, said Randle Harwood, the city's development director.
Under terms of the settlement, the trees must be quality trees and Horton will be required to water, maintain and guarantee their health for two years, he said.
Allen said he has put measures in place to prevent another mistake like this.
"I have had all of my staff read the Fort Worth tree ordinance," Allen said. "This will not be tolerated by my staff. It will not happen again."
Critics say the apology is a little too late.
Judy Harman told the commission that she appreciated Allen's candor but that it was concerning the company didn't report the violation when it happened.
"It's rather shocking," Harman said. "To consider even asking for forgiveness is a little amazing."
Mary Kelleher, who lives in the area, said the commission's decision sends a message to Horton and other developers that they will face a penalty if they violate the tree ordinance.
"I still think D.R. Horton got off easy, but I feel like the commission at least paid attention to our emails, and I appreciate that," Kelleher said. "It's a small victory, but a victory for us nonetheless."
The affected site is part of the East Cross Timbers of the 26,000-square-mile Cross Timbers Forest Ecosystem. The site had mostly indigenous post and blackjack oaks, some that were likely more than 100 years old.
Sandra Baker: 817-390-7727, @SandraBakerFWST
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