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Board flags National Grid trimming on scenic roads; asks staff to seek vegetation-management plan
Summary
Planning board members raised concerns after National Grid crews trimmed and left debris on scenic roads. The board asked staff to request the utility's required vegetation-management plan and to require cleanup and compliance with state and local rules.
Planning board members on March 10 expressed concern about recent National Grid tree-trimming activity on streets that include scenic-road designations, and asked planning staff to follow up with the town tree warden and the utility.
What happened: board members and residents reported that National Grid crews had been cutting trees and vines along several streets (including Edgewood and Corteville) and had left brush, vines and small branches on sidewalks and in the public right-of-way. In one case residents and a board member described sidewalk obstructions and vine debris at eye level that created short-term pedestrian hazards.
Board reaction and staff direction: the board asked staff to confirm whether National Grid had submitted a vegetation-management plan (VMP) for the current season and to remind the utility of Massachusetts statutory requirements (chapter 87 and chapter 87-related guidance) and local bylaw procedures for scenic roads. Planning staff said the town had asked for a VMP annually and had paused activity where an adequate VMP was not on file; staff will send a reminder to the tree warden and the utility and copy the town manager.
Why it matters: trimming and removal of trees on scenic roads is subject to state and local procedural protections; leaving cut material on sidewalks raises safety issues and increases follow-up maintenance costs. The board asked for clearer VMP submissions in the future and for assurance that contractors will clean public ways when work is complete.
Ending: staff said they would contact the tree warden and the utility to confirm the VMP status and to request required documentation, and the board asked the town to remind the utility that cleanup is required after vegetation work.
