With regard to Eversource cutting trees on Loudville Road in Easthampton before receiving permission, I find the requirement that they provide “tree replacements of at least 1½ inches in diameter and 12 inches in height” to be laughable at best. These are little more than seedlings, not in any way to be considered replacements for the shade trees illegally removed.

When Northampton plants new trees along its streets they are at least 5-feet tall, are planted with protection around them and tended to in their first summer at least to ensure they flourish. But my city councilors are allowing seedlings to replace mature shade trees that provide shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects.

There is no requirement that the seedlings be tended and at that height, they’ll probably be cut down when the vegetation is mowed. I won’t even discuss Eversource putting in five poles instead of the four they petitioned for. It seems that the Easthampton City Council is letting the utility company roll all over them. I had expected better of them.

Leslie Sharr

Easthampton