Chopping trees: Richard Gere faces $50,000 fine

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New York: Hollywood star Richard Gere faces a fine of $50,000 for cutting down trees on his property without first being granted permission. The 'Runaway Bride' actor failed to seek appropriate permission before having around 200 trees removed from the grounds of his estate in Pound Ridge, Westchester, New York, in a move which has perplexed local residents, New York Post reported.

"This is a town where money isn't an issue. What matters are good manners and caring about the community. People have been supportive of him, but I'm not sure what he was thinking," a neighbour of the star said. "The feeling is that he acted a bit precipitously in clearing the trees.

People are somewhat disappointed that he didn't follow procedure. Rather than seeking the proper channels and permits, he hired someone to cut them down. He's generally a good neighbour. It was out of character," another neighbour told the newspaper.

Gere and wife Carey Lowell reportedly wanted the trees cleared to create a paddock for their horses, but could be fined USD 250 for each one chopped down without a permit. The actor has claimed he only cut down around 150 trees and is believed to be in negotiations with town officials to replant a number of them.