Binghamton To Hold Meeting On Tree Cutting

The city of Binghamton has scheduled a meeting to discuss the need for tree maintenance around utility lines.

Mayor Matthew Ryan says the session will be held at the Binghamton High School cafeteria starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

City officials and NYSEG representatives are expected to participate in the meeting.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Ryan said the city "tried to be proactive" in dealing with the matter of tree trimming needed to protect electric lines.

Many Binghamton residents have been upset by the cutting of large trees by contracting crews hired by the utility.

Ryan said it was a mistake for those "big trees" to be planted under power lines.

The mayor said the city has taken steps to protect its trees and he expects those efforts will continue.

Ryan noted the city does not control what happens in the "utility strips" where trees pose a risk to electrical lines.

The mayor said some city public works crews also have been involved in cutting down some trees for safety reasons.