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Residents press council for action on utility poles, tree trimming and JCP&L coordination; BPU suggested as escalation route
Summary
Residents and council members discussed repeated outages, leaning and double poles, and tree-trimming schedules. Several residents urged the borough to convene a joint meeting with JCP&L, Verizon/Optimum and the Board of Public Utilities to resolve outstanding pole and maintenance problems.
Multiple residents used public comment at the April 2 meeting to press the council for a coordinated response to utility pole problems, leaning poles with live wires, and uneven tree-trimming around power lines.
Residents described specific hazards: a snapped pole with live wires still attached near Florida and Charles streets that has been leaning for months, and leftover double poles where new poles were set but old poles with active lines were not removed. Several speakers pointed to tree issues—most often the emerald ash borer’s effects and large branches that can fall on lines—and called for clearer enforcement of right-of-way responsibilities.
Council members and staff encouraged residents to file reports but acknowledged borough staff cannot replace utility-company maintenance. Multiple speakers suggested involving the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) because BPU escalations, several said, prompt quicker action by utilities. One resident, who identified as working in the utility sector, said that when the BPU is contacted “everything stops immediately” and utilities respond.
Council President and Administrator Shelby said staff will pursue additional outreach to utilities and asked the borough’s contacts (including “Jenn” who has existing utility contacts) to arrange a joint session. Council members requested that staff collect a list of problem poles, locations and public-safety risks and present a prioritized list to JCP&L and other utilities. Several residents said they want a public meeting that includes JCP&L, Verizon/Optimum and the BPU representative.
Why it matters: Unaddressed poles and overgrown trees pose electrical and emergency-access hazards, and residents said unresolved conditions have persisted for months. Council members signaled support for escalating through the BPU if necessary and for convening utility representatives for a town forum.
