National Grid won't remove debris

• The extensive piles of fallen trees, brush and debris behind homes at the start of Hyland Circle prompted me to inquire of National Grid -- the European company that a few years ago took over our power needs and uses the motto "The Power of Action" -- what it planned to remedy the situation. (Scroll down for a copy of my letter.) Here is National Grid's response. Obviously, we will have to continue looking into a remedy for the matter:

Dear William,

A storm can damage a few trees in a small neighborhood, or it can affect thousands across a wide area. Regardless of the size of the area impacted, National Grid is responsible for only clearing storm damaged trees and/or limbs from our electric lines and facilities in order to: restore service, allow reasonable access for emergency service restoration, and ensure future service reliability.

The disposal, processing and cleanup of storm generated tree debris removed from, or over National Grid facilities, or to provide emergency access, remains the responsibility of the owner of the tree (or trees).

Sincerely,

National Grid Customer Service

Because the area in question is a National grid right-of-way, we're stuck with that decision. However, there is a possibility some of the wood will be removed by a third party which should help mitigate the problem.

The overall topic will be part of the agenda for our Monday, May 4, meeting.

Membership meeting coming up

A reminder:

Our spring membership meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, May 4, at Faith Lutheran Church, opposite the city water facility.

See you then. If you have any agenda items, please contact Secretary Pat Whitman no later than Thursday of this week.

Tree debris problem being addressed

A large swath of land running roughly behind Nos. 1-4 on Hyland Circle has been laid waste by grounds crews working for National Grid.

Nadeen Thompson said she had asked the crews when the debris would be removed, but was given a non-commital answer.

I called National Grid today and was asked to put the problem in writing. I did so, hoping that isn't just a stall tactic on the part of the utility. Here's the text of the e-mail complaint I registered today:

I am writing as President of the Terrace at Highpointe Homeowners Association, located off Oakwood Avenue (Rt. 40) in Troy, NY.

An area of woods was clear-cut behind the homes of several of our members in the aftermath of the winter ice storm. What was left behind by your crew is both an esthetic and public safety issue.

Huge tree trunks, some as much as four feet in diameter, and untold amounts of brush and debris have created a tinder box situation, and the condition in which the area was left -- by the crew, not the weather -- will potentially affect the value of the homes.

We would appreciate immediate cleanup of the area, which is near your Oakwood Avenue facility. Please contact me at the number listed above to ascertain a date for this cleanup so I may share that information with the other Terrace homeowners.

Thank you.