I recently witnessed trees along Upperline Street in New Orleans being trimmed by a contractor hired by the Regional Transit Authority to clear limbs near the streetcar electrical lines running from St. Charles Avenue. The work was alarming. Crews were cutting branches as much as 20 feet from the lines, which is far beyond the 4-foot clearance allowed.
When I questioned the site supervisor, I received an unconvincing explanation. I then contacted my elected officials and attempted to reach the RTA director. Unfortunately, the RTA proved impossible to contact by phone or email, so I ultimately sent a letter to its director (I have yet to receive a response).
Within 24 hours, New Orleans City Council member Lesli Harris responded and assured me she would look into the matter. An arborist was promptly dispatched, confirming that the trees had been improperly trimmed…