Bensonhurst Chinese American Community Objects to NYC Tree Planting Plan Over Feng Shui Concerns
The New York City Parks Department's initiative to plant more trees is facing opposition from the Chinese American community in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Residents are concerned that the proposed locations for new tree wells, marked in front of some homes, will negatively impact their feng shui. According to Brooklyn Councilwoman Susan Zhuang, planting trees directly in front of a home is believed to block positive energy, which could be detrimental to health and personal fortune. The community asserts that they were not consulted about the placement of these trees, leading to a lack of consideration for their cultural beliefs regarding energy flow. The city's Urban Forest Plan aims to expand the urban tree canopy for environmental benefits, but local leaders are urging officials to work with the community to find alternative locations that respect cultural traditions.
