The environment scores a huge win in Surfside. On Nov 20, the results of a vote sent to all members of Surfside Homeowners Association was announced. A big majority voted to incorporate the environment into our covenants and stop the practice of topping trees below 24 feet. The ballot was the result of member motions at the July meeting, vetted by Surfside HOA legal advisers, mailed to all members for a vote.

Three member motions were approved by Surfside membership. One: Add language to our covenants that recognize the importance trees and habitat to the environment. Two: Put tree height compliance in the hands of outside help. Three: Increase the tree height limit across Surfside to 24 feet to preserve our environment and mitigate flooding.

A huge thank you goes to the board for allowing and forwarding this important vote to all members. And a huge thank you to Surfside members for voting by a big margin to preserve and enhance our shoreline environment. A new more peaceful era now dawns in Surfside, where the future of our community is governed by recognition of the importance of trees to sustain our natural beauty.

STEVEN WALLACE

Surfside