Responding to complaints & working with local legislators, Eversource changes tree-cutting plan in Wallingford [Record-Journal]

Article via the Record Journal

WALLINGFORD — Eversource Energy representatives met with town residents and officials this week to discuss changes to its plan to cut trees near transmission lines.

The revised plan reduces the number of trees Eversource will cut along transmission rights of way near residential properties, spokesman Frank Poirot said.

Eversource originally planned to clear-cut trees located 100 to 150 feet on either side of a transmission line. The company now plans to take a more selective approach, only cutting tall trees within 60 feet of a line, project manager Anthony Johnson told residents Wednesday.
The company says it is removing tall trees near its power lines to prevent storm-related power outages. The cutting in Wallingford is part of a larger project across several towns.

Eversource owns eight miles of right of ways in Wallingford. Poirot said the project will affect 177 parcels that border the transmission lines, most of which are residential.

Eversource officials detailed the changes at a meeting Wednesday morning on Mulligan Drive, an area where the company plans to remove trees near its transmission right of ways along Traditions Golf Course. Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr., state Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano and state Rep.-elect Craig Fishbein attended the meeting, along with about 40 residents.

At the meeting, Eversource officials conducted a walk-through of the transmission line located about 500 feet from Mulligan Drive and detailed where trees would be cut.

Dickinson said he thought the meeting was productive and allowed residents to visualize the changes firsthand.

“There’s always going to be questions and unease until you’re able to walk through and visualize the changes,” he said.

Poirot expects the cutting to begin in a couple weeks.

The changes were made in response to feedback by residents, many of whom learned about the cutting in August. During a Town Council meeting last month, dozens of residents aired concerns about the project following a presentation by Eversource.

Concerns included possible property devaluation and less protection from light and noise pollution. Residents also said clearing swaths of trees would invite trespassers to ride all-terrain vehicles in the cleared area.

Mulligan Drive resident Suzanne Goodison, who said she was “outraged” by the initial plan, said Wednesday she was pleased with the changes.

“The fact that they’re willing to compromise is definitely a good sign,” she said.

Mulligan Drive resident Joe Norwood also said he was satisfied.

“What they were planning to do to begin with was totally unreasonable,” he said.

In addition to cutting fewer trees, the company has agreed to replant trees and vegetation this spring. Johnson said he feels the vegetation will help provide a barrier from noise and light for properties on Mulligan Drive, which is located about 1,000 feet from Interstate 91.

Dickinson said last month the town has “very limited jurisdiction” to regulate cutting by Eversource within the right of way land beneath the lines.

Fasano said he and other local legislators have worked with Eversource in amending the plan. Earlier this month, Fasano, Dickinson and state Rep. Mary Mushinsky met with Eversource officials to review the updated plan.

“It’s been a very open dialogue,” Fasano said. “Everyone understands that the transmission lines need to be protected … but it’s about how we can do that and still preserve the neighbors’ tranquility.”

Fishbein said the proposed changes “appear to be a step forward,” but added he wants to see Eversource put specifics in writing so the company can be held accountable.

Goodison agreed.

“I’m feeling optimistic, but until that plan is on paper, I will not rest easy,” she said.

Poirot said a document outlining the project will be ready sometime next week.

The company is also scheduled to meet with residents of High Hill Road, another area where the company plans to remove trees, before it begins cutting next month.