To the Editor:

I am writing out of genuine concern for the safety of our community. Since Friday night’s storm, a large tree has been left leaning on utility wires over the busy intersection of 6th Street and Clifton Avenue. Nearly 48 hours have passed, yet the danger remains.

Police initially responded and taped off the area, but the tape came down overnight. On Sunday, children were seen playing directly beneath the tree before police returned to re-tape the area. As the attached photo shows, after officers left, the tree was still hanging over the roadway and sidewalk, posing a risk to anyone passing below.

Residents have been told that removing the tree is JCP&L’s responsibility. Whether that is the case or not, the fact remains that this hazardous situation continues to exist over one of Lakewood’s busiest intersections. Cars continue to drive underneath it, pedestrians continue to walk by it, and families continue to pass through the area.

Storm cleanup takes time, and everyone understands that crews have been working tirelessly across the region. But when a tree is visibly suspended over a busy public intersection for nearly two days, many residents are left wondering whether enough is being done to protect the public before someone is seriously injured.

I hope this issue receives the attention it deserves and is resolved before an avoidable tragedy occurs.

— A Concerned Lakewood Resident

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