The Sao Paulo City Municipality suspended the license to cut 14 trees on the land of the Hebrasia Club in Jardines, west of the capital. The removal of the green will be used to build beach tennis courts at the club, mobilizing members opposed to the tree removal.
The sub-prefecture of Pinheiros decided to cancel the license, on a temporary basis, due to the need for “an in-depth technical re-evaluation of the phytosanitary status of the tree specimens.” The order also refers to the “social uproar” and press fallout resulting from the tree-cutting authorization.
This species is found in a forest at the club known as the “Little Forest” by club goers. An application has been submitted to remove vegetation to make way for the construction of two beach tennis courts in the surrounding area. In addition to the felling of 14 trees, the pruning of 34 other species is also planned.
Members opposed to the initiative organized an online petition, which as of Saturday afternoon (11/29) had received more than 2,800 signatures. According to the document, many of the trees are large and have been present since the founding of the club, on land located in the middle of the athletics track.
“This area has been frequented for many years by members who wish to walk under the gentle shade of these trees, runners as well as a large number of members who use the exercise equipment there, as well as members who need a little peace and a little silence in this very pleasant place,” the statement accompanying the petition said.
Organizers also stated that the “Little Forest” is “one of the last bastions of nature in our club, highly valued by its members, and an essential part of the heritage of ‘A Hebraica’”.
The mobilization also received assistance from former Chancellor Gilberto Natalini. to CapitalsHe said that he conveyed the concerns of members opposing the removal of trees to the sub-governorate, after receiving a request from members of the Jewish community.