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Posted on Sat, Feb 13, 2010 : 4:38 p.m.

Judge signs order preventing power company from cutting trees in Pittsfield Township

By Art Aisner

A Washtenaw County judge signed a restraining order preventing a power company from cutting down trees against the wishes of several Pittsfield Township residents.

The court order, issued late Thursday by Circuit Judge Melinda Morris, prohibits ITC Holdings Corp. from removing dozens of arborvitaes lining the properties along Beech Drive - at least until a Feb. 24 hearing. ITC officials had said crews would begin removing trees this week after two prior delays requested by township officials.

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A sign begs ITC to spare the trees.

“It’s our first win and it feels good,” homeowner Joel Mewton said. “But (Feb. 24) will be a huge day for us to show up and plead our case.”

Mewton is one of eight residents represented by Ann Arbor attorney Walter Hamilton, who filed the emergency injunction Thursday afternoon. Both said they expect to have many more residents involved before the hearing. 

The neighbors began organizing shortly after ITC announced plans in November to remove the large thicket of trees due to safety concerns.

Novi-based ITC acquired the right-of-way containing the trees from DTE Energy in 2000. ITC spokesman Joe Kirik said the company is obligated to remove trees in the area under and 10 feet outside power lines.

Company officials were made aware of the injunction late Thursday.

“ITC will comply with the court’s order. We are reviewing the filings and will determine the appropriate course of action,” Kirik said in a written statement Friday.

The injunction gives residents time to have an expert forester assess the trees and their potential impact on the power lines. They believe an independent review will show the trees are at peak maturity and will remain well below the company’s safety zone.

Morris’ ruling also allows concerned elected officials to continue investigating ways to help.

At its meeting last Wednesday, the township board unanimously approved a resolution supporting the residents and insisting ITC officials delay cutting, pending at least another expert’s evaluation.

County Commissioner Kristin Judge, D-Pittsfield Township, said she has contacted the offices of both U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow for more information about the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees companies like ITC.

Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.

Comments

RobertinSaline

Mon, Feb 15, 2010 : 9:51 p.m.

Thank you to Commissioner Judge for her efforts to work with the power company and the neighbors to reach a common-sense solution. Fortunately, she is willing to make the extra effort to respond to locals!

Cash

Mon, Feb 15, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.

Bury the power lines.

david craven

Sun, Feb 14, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.

What needs to be done is selective trimming not butchering of trees I have seen trees with one hole side cut off and trees 5 feet away with the tops cut off flat where is the profesionalism if you want to trim trees do it correct If they are in the power lines the people in the area should have the power they need.

Vette96drvr

Sat, Feb 13, 2010 : 9:29 p.m.

I agree with you Scooter Dog. Suprised to read she (Judge Melinda Morris) did something good and worth mentioning for a change. I find it funny the utility company is so quick to cut down trees that are healthy but I have tried repeatedly to get them to cut dead ash trees down that are sure to fall on power lines at a field neighboring my property and no one seems to care. They will wait until someones tree falls on my lines to react.