NSTAR Agrees to Replanting Plan with Sudbury

In spring 2012, residents in the Shadow Oak Drive neighborhood were irate when NSTAR crews began wiping out trees that provided screening from high-voltage utility lines and shade to their properties.

More than a year later, the utility company has come to an agreement with the town on a replanting plan, according to NSTAR spokesperson Michael Durand.

“We're pleased to have reached an agreement that's not only compatible with our commitment to providing reliable electrical service, but also respects the town's wishes to maintain right-of-way screening in the Stock Farm Road and Pelham Island Road area,” he said in a statement sent to Sudbury Patch.

According to town documents, the plan includes:

• At least 150 8-foot trees to be planted next spring;
• NSTAR holding off removing more vegetation until next spring, but will trim any vegetation that might threaten power lines;
• NSTAR will keep an area open for utility vehicle access.

The variety of the evergreen trees to be planted will be approved by Sudbury.

Earlier this year, Sudbury asked NSTAR to pay the $30,000 maintenance fee on the new trees. Durand said the utility company would not agree to that, and the town wound up conceding.

Selectmen agreed they wanted NSTAR to care for the new vegetation, but had to concede that in the new agreement.

The path to get to this point with NSTAR has not been smooth.

On Sept. 17, Selectmen authorized Town Manager Maureen Valente to communicate with NSTAR, using an assertive tone in a letter if necessary, that the town wanted the planting of red cedars to replace the vegetation the utility company cut down. The Board voted in favor of a suggestion to properly clear stumps and evasive plants for best chance of survival for the cedars.

Resident Stan Kaplan, who has been vocal about his displeasure with NSTAR, applauded the outcome.

"I want to thank Sudbury's Town Manager, Maureen Valente, for her determination and fortitude in compelling NSTAR to recognize their obligation to replant screening trees along their transmission power lines crossing Stock Farm and Pelham Island Roads," he said in an email to Sudbury Patch. "She has removed an unsightly eyesore from the Town."