Aftermath of the Storm: Cleanup Continues

At right: Photo 1: Florence Avenue, with tree down and live wires, during storm. Photo 2: After removal and cleanup.* 

As many have noted, Plainfield was hit pretty badly by last week's Nor'easter. News reports state that around 300,000 customers lost power. At last night's council meeting (March 12), the administration noted that 1,883 homes in Plainfield were without power at some point during and after the storm, some for as many as 5 days. There are still some downed wires in some parts of the city, and PSE&G is working to ensure restoration to the remaining nine or so homes. During the storm and its aftermath, I remained in contact with residents across the city (including Florence, W. 4th, Ellsworth, Victory, Pemberton, my own neighbors on South Ave., etc.) through social media, texts, and phone--sending in photos and info on downed trees and wires to DPW as they were sent to me, contacting PSE&G, checking in with folks after the storm, and stopping through areas that had been called in after the storm.

PSE&G contracted additional tree companies to help with the downed wires/tree removal, as many of Plainfield's trees came down in the storm, as well as large limbs and branches. The cleanup continues, with crews from the Plainfield DPW working to remove all the debris to clear all the streets. During stressful times like these, frustration often sets in, as homeowners and other residents anxiously await the arrival of snow plows, utility workers, and others after these huge weather events. I do, however, want to thank city workers and first responders, as always. Theirs is not an easy job.



* Florence Avenue photos by Michelle Lisabeth.