Bucks man: Didn't know felled trees were neighbor's
A Bucks County man who had 22 trees removed from a neighbor's property because they obstructed his view was sentenced to five years' probation Tuesday and ordered to pay the $260,000 replacement costs.
A Bucks County man who had 22 trees removed from a neighbor's property because they obstructed his view was sentenced to five years' probation Tuesday and ordered to pay the $260,000 replacement costs.
David L. Topel, 62, who lives on Solebury Mountain outside New Hope, pleaded no contest to a felony count of criminal mischief; 65 other counts were dropped.
Topel appeared remorseful, saying that he mistakenly thought the trees were on his own lot. "I did not intend to hurt my neighbor's property," he said in Bucks County Court, his voice trembling.
He said he should have hired a surveyor to define the property lines. "I clearly was reckless and shirked my own responsiblities," he told the judge.
Topel, a retired attorney, presented the township with a check for $261,211.07 to cover restitution and costs.
"Hopefully this will help heal what has occurred, knowing you can't fully restore what was there," said Judge Jeffrey L. Finley.
The trees were situated on protected woods in the Sage Meadows Homeowners Association, preserved by the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy and Solebury Township with conservation easements.
The towering trees, mainly poplar and oak, were around 75 to 100 years old, said Barbara Drew, executive director of the conservancy. One, a white oak, was nearly four feet in diameter and worth $40,000.
Some of the felled trees bore no-trespassing signs. Topel said he had never walked into the woods, himself, and that he was out of town and had not yet moved into the house when the trees were removed by the arborists he had hired.
Finley called the crime shocking, but after reading letters attesting to Topel's character - Topel has volunteered his services extensively - said he was no longer certain whether it had been a selfish act.
Under terms of the sentencing, Topel has to allow Solebury Township officials access to his property to replant the trees.
In addition, Topel must plant 220 trees in Solebury Township and complete 100 hours of community service.
"I by no means wish to understate the severity of what I think this is," Finley said. Given the ages of the trees, he added, "None of us here are going to live to see a full restoration."
610-313-8205
@McDanielJustine