To the Editor,

I’m not sure if the readers of The Robesonian have experienced a similar problem in their community but I thought if so we can share our frustration together. Recently, in one of my frequent travels around town, I observed several wooded areas adjacent to city streets where contracting crews, hired by Duke Energy Progress, had cleared, leaving very unsightly sections strewn with debris, cut foliage, and felled trees. In one instance an entire side of a highly visible old oak tree in the corner of Memorial Park was cut completely away.

Upon calling the company customer relations official with whom I’ve had previous conversations, I learned that these crews maintain the right to clear a certain right of way for protection of the company power lines. I accept their right to protect their property, but I am absolutely certain that they could do a much better job in cutting the trees and bushes in their way and should gather and remove all debris from that area once their work is completed. I further maintain that every effort should be made to consult and coordinate with town or city officials prior to starting a job like this. That was not done in this most recent work.

One thing Fairmont has always been proud of is our appearance and many citizens work extra hard in maintaining their property or business in a positive fashion. We don’t need unsightly areas in our community and especially if outsiders cause them. In the future Duke Energy Progress should be a little more considerate of our community. We don’t believe you would be happy living beside an area such as the ones you left here.

Charles Kemp

Fairmont