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Eversource rep says vegetation-management delays are affecting Nelson and neighboring towns
Summary
Joseph Hoebeke, Eversource’s community relations representative, briefed the Nelson Select Board on services available through the utility’s Municipal Hub and agreed to coordinate with town officials after residents and local emergency staff raised concerns about overdue hazardous-tree removals.
Joseph Hoebeke, Community Relations Representative for Eversource, introduced himself to the Nelson Select Board at its Aug. 21 meeting and outlined services available to municipal officials through the company’s Municipal Hub. He said his office can connect town staff with utility crews and resources for vegetation-management planning and training.
Town emergency-management and public-safety officials described multiple instances of slow vegetation management and several hazardous trees that they said are overdue for removal; they said the problem affects Nelson and nearby towns. Hoebeke agreed to meet with the town’s Road Agent and to put the town in touch with a local arborist, Randy Marcotte, for follow-up and operational coordination.
Board members and other attendees also raised a separate pole repair that remains unresolved after a fire. The participant who reported the pole, J. Sarcione, said he will take photographs and forward them to Hoebeke for action by Eversource.
Why it matters: delayed vegetation management can increase wildfire and storm-risk for small rural towns and complicate emergency responses. Town officials said they want clearer timelines for trims and removals and better communication about planned utility work.
Next steps: Hoebeke invited town officials to contact him directly with concerns and follow-up requests; he and the Road Agent are expected to meet to coordinate an arborist visit and a removal schedule.
