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AEP Ohio spreads the word

Eighth St. neighbors get advance notice about tree work

JANELLE PATTERSON The Marietta Times Asplundh work planner Robbie Jenks sets a door hanger with information about AEP Ohio’s stump removal plan along Eighth Street Tuesday.

AEP Ohio hit the pavement Tuesday, letting residents along the 600 block of Eighth Street know what’s next in the wake of the eight trees removed from the block last month.

“We’re going to grind the stumps starting May 30, and had guys out today letting residents know what that process would be,” said Tim Seyfang, manager of distribution for the Athens district of AEP’s systems. “If residents weren’t home we left a door hanger with our number, 800-672-2237, on it for them to call in if they have questions about what we’re doing.”

Marietta residents had reacted negatively to the company’s move to remove the trees last month after receiving little warning about the new, taller electricity lines to be installed along the northern side of the block. AEP representatives apologized for the lack of communication at the time and pledged to keep the public better apprised of any further work within the city.

Seyfang said the stumps would be removed over the course of a week with the hole filled and seed planted for grass in their wake.

“And then the plan is in the fall for the city to replace the trees and AEP will reimburse the city for those,” he said.

Suzanne Priore, AEP Ohio spokeswoman, said the company will be working with the city’s tree commission to recommend lower-growing trees as replacements for the three gum trees and the maples, sycamore and oak trees removed and that AEP will contribute up to $3,500 for their replacement.

“And our tree suggestions can be found on our website but when planting a tree near our lines we suggest low trees like a flowering crab apple, flowering dogwood, red bud, sweet bay magnolias and then with a minimum of 20 feet away from the lines you could put an American arborvitae, junipers, Japanese Yeu and false cyprus,” she said.

Priore said the replacement work will be on the city’s timetable but should be planted in the fall.

The pair did not give further details as to when additional trees along Eighth Street from Warren to East Montgomery streets, East Montgomery Street from Fifth to Eighth streets and Seventh Street from Washington to Greene streets will take place.

They had previously mentioned the routes for further tree trimming and felling for additional line upgrades in the coming two years.

At a glance

¯ AEP Ohio plans to remove stumps along Eighth Street in Marietta beginning Tuesday.

¯ Eight stumps will be removed along the 600 block of the street.

¯ AEP Ohio is working with the city tree commission to replace the trees with a budget of up to $3,500 to be reimbursed by the company.

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