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New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has called for an accelerated and expanded tree inspection and maintenance program in South Queens following what she described as a “horrific tragedy” in Forest Park, where an 85-year-old man was fatally struck by a fallen tree.
In an open letter dated June 7 to New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, Rajkumar said she had spoken with the 102nd Precinct regarding the incident and stressed the need for immediate action to address potentially hazardous trees across the district.
“What should have been an ordinary day in my district’s most beloved park ended in an unimaginable loss of life. Instead of a day enjoying the weather, we are tracking down his surviving family to see if they need help,” Rajkumar wrote.
She said the “heartbreaking” incident underscores a broader public safety concern affecting communities throughout her district, citing frequent complaints from residents about dead or damaged trees.
“Not a week goes by without a resident contacting my office about a dead tree looming over their home, a rotting trunk threatening a sidewalk, or heavy branches tangled through utility lines hanging overhead. Every day we fail to act brings us one storm or gust of wind closer to disaster,” she wrote. “This can and must end now.”
Rajkumar noted that New York City is home to approximately 7 million trees, covering nearly 23 percent of the city’s land area. While describing the city’s tree canopy as a valuable asset that improves air quality, combats climate change, and enhances neighborhoods, she emphasized that neglected or unstable trees can pose significant risks.
“A tree that is dead, diseased, unstable, or neglected is not an asset: it is a ‘disaster’ waiting to happen,” she wrote.
The Assemblywoman called on the Parks Department to significantly increase inspections and tree-trimming operations in both parks and residential neighborhoods throughout South Queens.
“That is why I am calling on the Parks Department to dramatically expand and accelerate its tree inspection and trimming efforts in South Queens,” she wrote. “We need a proactive strategy that identifies hazards before they become emergencies. We need more aggressive inspections in parks and residential areas. We need faster response times to dangerous conditions. And we need a renewed commitment to protecting New Yorkers before another life is lost.”
Rajkumar also pledged her office’s support in addressing the issue, saying she is prepared to work with the Parks Department to secure resources, engage with residents, and address safety concerns raised by the community.
“I am prepared to work alongside you to secure resources, listen to community concerns, and ensure that hazardous trees receive the attention they deserve. Residents frequently alert us to dangerous conditions before they are officially documented, and I encourage them to contact my Chief of Staff Jacob Gross at 347-585-0327,” she wrote.
Emphasizing the importance of preventive action, Rajkumar said public officials must act before another tragedy occurs.
“Leadership means acting before the next tragedy occurs,” she wrote, adding that residents of the 38th Assembly District deserve confidence that every reasonable precaution has been taken to ensure their safety when visiting parks, spending time outdoors, or allowing children to play in neighborhood spaces.
“I stand ready to work with you to make that vision a reality. It would be my esteemed pleasure to meet with you and your team in the coming weeks to discuss how we can make our parks and streets safe for everyone,” she added.
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