New Bedford’s Power Line Mystery: The Tree That Left a Tangled Legacy

If you’re ever in New Bedford’s West End and spot something peculiar hanging from the telephone wires, there’s an interesting story behind it.

It all began back on November 2, 2021, when I noticed a dangerously overgrown tree looming over the street near my home. It wasn’t just an eyesore—it was a safety concern. The tree hung directly over the spot where neighborhood children gathered to catch the bus, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad might happen. Making matters worse, the tree’s heavy branches were pressing down on the power lines, adding to the risk.

To complicate things, the property owner had passed away, and the house was vacant, making it difficult to address a tree that technically sat on private land. After witnessing the situation grow more hazardous, I filed a complaint with the city, hoping for some kind of resolution.

Thankfully, New Bedford City Council President Ian Abreu stepped in, and the city’s quick response was nothing short of impressive. Within just an hour, the massive tree was removed, and the street instantly felt safer and more spacious. The vacant house, once overshadowed by the towering branches, now welcomed 40% more sunshine, and the neighborhood children could play and walk around freely without the looming danger above.

However, not all traces of the tree were gone. To this day, you can still spot remnants of the tree wrapped around the power lines, a strange reminder of its former presence. I was informed that while the city isn’t certified to remove tree limbs tangled in power lines due to safety concerns, the power companies could step in if they deemed it a threat. Fortunately, no such problems have arisen.

What impresses me most about New Bedford is how quickly the city acted once the problem was brought to their attention. While the dangling branches may remain an eyesore, I’m grateful for the swift action that ensured the safety of our neighborhood.

Sometimes, the remnants of an issue stick around longer than expected—but when the people’s voices are heard and action is taken, it makes all the difference.