Miquel Clos, fined €1,733 for unauthorized tree planting, launches a petition to contest the penalty and demand better maintenance of public greenery.
A resident of Mataró is taking a stand against a municipal fine imposed for planting trees without permission. Miquel Clos has initiated a signature campaign to contest the €1,733 penalty from the city council, arguing that his actions were aimed at improving local green spaces.
The controversy began when Clos planted five trees and restored two public benches in August 2024. Despite his efforts to enhance the neighborhood, he was penalized under local civility regulations. The situation escalated when it was revealed that the replacement trees planted by the municipality are struggling due to inadequate watering.
According to Clos, he continues to water some of the original trees because the automated irrigation system in his street has been malfunctioning. He claims that this issue was reported to municipal workers prior to the new trees being planted. “The gardeners showed me that several irrigation lines were broken,” he stated.
The new trees are more ornamental but require significantly more water than those Clos originally planted. He noted that while his trees thrived with minimal maintenance, the replacements are now showing signs of distress due to lack of care.
“I have stopped reporting these issues to the city council,” said Clos. “They claim they had no knowledge of it before.” He now takes it upon himself to ensure that at least some greenery remains healthy, despite risking further fines for unauthorized maintenance work.
The condition of two benches removed by municipal workers for repainting also raises concerns. Clos criticized their decision as excessive since only a fresh coat of paint was applied after dismantling them entirely in December 2024. Now, just over a year later, those benches show signs of wear again.
This case has sparked significant public interest and debate across Mataró and beyond. Many residents have expressed support for Clos’s cause through social media and community forums. Some even suggested starting crowdfunding campaigns to help him pay off the fine; however, he firmly rejected this idea.
“I don’t want money from citizens; I want my fine revoked by the city council,” he emphasized.
Instead of seeking financial aid from others, Clos is focused on gathering signatures to push for both a review of his penalty and improved maintenance practices for public green areas in his neighborhood.
The ongoing discussion surrounding this incident reflects broader concerns about civic engagement and local governance in Spain. Similar cases have emerged where residents took initiative in maintaining their neighborhoods but faced repercussions from authorities instead.
As support continues to grow for Clos’s petition, he remains cautious about involving political parties in his fight against what he perceives as an unjust sanction. “I prefer not to politicize this issue,” he remarked while declining offers from opposition groups eager to align themselves with his cause.
This situation highlights not only individual struggles against bureaucratic decisions but also raises questions about how municipalities manage urban greenery and engage with their communities effectively. Residents interested in supporting Clos can sign his petition online or visit designated locations throughout Mataró where signatures are being collected until further notice.
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