I don't think the developer comes out ahead.. but I do think that the punishment on them should be punitive to the point of causing them to never do it again. Swapping out a fully treed lot (that the owner wanted) with a flat wasteland with a house on it could inequitable, depending on what you value. If they can give her one the same size as hers, fully wooded, that might matter.
Not surprised at all... nor am I surprised that the spineless legislature let him do it
We need to unelect this bonehead from any and all positions of authority he might ever actually dream of having.