Residents Urge Immediate Tree Removal Near Franklin School Amid Safety Concerns

During a recent Board of Education meeting in South Plainfield, concerns were raised about the safety of trees on school property, particularly at Franklin School. A local resident, whose property borders Franklin School Field, expressed urgent worries regarding a dying oak tree located near the kindergarten entrance. The resident highlighted that following a severe storm, the tree poses a significant risk to children attending summer programs, as it could potentially fall during another storm.

The resident emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that the tree is visibly dead and could endanger the students who often gather underneath it. The discussion revealed that the town's resources are currently limited, as the bucket truck needed for tree removal is damaged. This has raised concerns about the timeline for addressing the issue.

Tom, the head of grounds, acknowledged the situation and noted that the damaged equipment is also affecting other school properties, including Roosevelt School, where tree limbs are too high for staff to manage safely. The urgency of the matter was clear, with suggestions made to consider hiring an outside service to expedite the tree removal process.

The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining safe environments for students and the challenges faced by the school district in addressing urgent maintenance issues. As the community awaits a resolution, the safety of students remains a top priority, highlighting the need for effective communication and resource management within the district.