January 17, 2014
I have formally asked United Illuminating (UI) to suspend its current activity in Hamden until the town has hired a full time arborist, a process that is in the works. This request stipulates that no trees purportedly in the right of way should be identified or tagged for trimming or removal until Hamden’s arborist is hired and has had the ability to engage in that process.
This request comes after a town hall meeting where UI was given the opportunity to respond to questions from the public. Hamden’s legislative council president stated that there was a plan to hire a full time arborist and that the hiring process is presently underway. Time should be given for that individual to assess the situation.
No one disputes that damaged and dying trees that threaten power lines and public safety should be removed but UI's plans go drastically further than that and call for the removal of perfectly healthy trees. This is unacceptable and I have therefore asked UI to suspend its plans in Hamden, at least until the town can hire an arborist to review and oversee UI's plan.
Last month, I went to the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and asked for an injunction in UI’s plan because I felt UI hadn’t given adequate information or warning about this process. Similar calls were echoed by other towns where UI has announced they intend to cut.
I have also spoken with PURA Chairperson Arthur House and asked PURA to revise its draft decision, which is not yet final, so as to curtail UI's authority. We all have seen the unnecessary mass deforestation occurring in our highways in CT. That cannot happen in our town. Property values will plummet.
Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson has also said that he's asked UI officials to suspend the plans, at least until a public forum had been held. That forum was held on January 14, 2014.