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Tree protection, pole relocation and private service questions draw neighborhood concern
Summary
Residents asked about saving trees, removal of replaced utility poles and whether private service lines (including galvanized laterals) would be replaced. Staff said many trees are slated for protection, pole removals depend on utility coordination and private service replacement requires homeowner coordination and may involve contractors.
Residents pressed staff about tree protection, the timing of old pole removals and whether private service lines will be replaced when crews work in front of properties. Whitney Bouchard said plan notes identify which trees to protect and the tree committee and tree warden will be involved in decisions about removals and post‑project care. "We've designed as best as we can around trees... they are gonna be stressed during construction," she said.
On utility poles, Whitney said removal of old poles is coordinated with utilities and will likely happen slowly and toward the end of the project. On private service lines, staff said homeowners can coordinate replacements with private contractors; town staff and the resident project representative will notify properties ahead of sewer/service work and can perform dye or camera tests to determine existing conditions.
