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Planning Board approves Eversource scenic‑road tree trimming and removal
Summary
The Milford Planning Board voted to allow Eversource and its contractor to perform routine right‑of‑way trimming and remove four identified hazard trees on designated scenic roads after a public hearing and discussion of homeowner notifications and protections.
The Milford Planning Board on April 15 approved Eversource Energy’s request to perform its annual right‑of‑way tree and shrub maintenance on several designated scenic roads and to remove four identified hazard trees, after the company’s local arborist described its trimming and hazard‑removal program and the board held a brief public hearing.
Eversource local area arborist Marissa Del Corso told the board the company seeks town permission to continue its routine trimming and to remove dead or dying “hazard trees” on the scenic roads listed on the agenda. "My name is Marissa Del Corso. I'm the local area arborist for Eversource," she said, then described the two programs and homeowner notifications.
The request covered dead‑tree removal at 59 and 522 Ponemah Hill Road and 205 Jenison Road, and routine trimming along Jenison, Joslyn, Ponemah Hill and Ranola roads. Del Corso said routine trimming occurs on a four‑to‑five‑year cycle and seeks to restore a clearance of approximately 8 feet to the side, 10 feet below and 15 feet above utility equipment. She said crews do not remove healthy trees or major limbs over 4 inches in diameter. She also said hazard trees — identified as dead, dying, diseased or defective — require property owner consent on scenic roads and that homeowners receive a 45‑day mail notice before work, with an option to request a consult from the contractor, Aspen.
The board held no substantive public comment. Vice Chair Janet Langdell moved to approve the request and Tina Filbrick seconded. The vote was by roll call because a board member participated by Zoom. The roll call recorded one dissenting vote and the motion passed.
Why it matters: the scenic‑road hearing is required by state law before removing or significantly altering trees on designated scenic roads. The board’s vote authorizes Eversource crews to proceed with trimming and to remove the four identified hazard trees if property owners also consent.
What the approval does and does not do: the vote authorizes routine right‑of‑way trimming across the listed roads and removal of the four identified hazard trees if property owners agree. It does not authorize removal of healthy trees outside the limited hazard descriptions, nor does it change property ownership or require tree removal if an owner objects.
Board response and safeguards: members pressed only briefly on whether marked trees could be identified to residents; Del Corso said trees on Eversource’s radar are flagged with blue and white checkered flagging. The company confirmed it will provide the statutory notices and follow the town’s scenic‑road procedures.
Next steps: Eversource will proceed with work under the town’s approval and property‑owner consent; homeowners who receive the 45‑day notice can request a consult with the contractor prior to any trimming or removal.
