St. Simon's island Fort Frederica

A developer has agreed to pay a fine and plant new trees after he cut down several live oaks in a preservation district on St. Simons Island.

The Brunswick News reports developer Ed Mecchella reached an agreement with Glynn County officials to pay a $1,000 fine and to plant five new live oak trees, each 6-inches in diameter, on the island.

County officials say altogether the settlement will cost the developer more than $10,000. Island resident Lisa Norton said she doesn't think the punishment was steep enough to deter other builders from cutting trees in the future.

Mecchella plans to demolish a half-century-old Masonic Hall on St. Simons Island and build two single-family homes. Officials say he cut down the live oak trees without approval.

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