Rethinking East Mercer power lines


February 2, 2010 · 11:12 AM

  • 0
  • Print Story
  • Letter/Editor

To Mercer Island Reporter, City of Mercer Island: We live off of East Mercer and have seen many near collisions due to bikers and frustrated drivers passing unsafely, so we are glad that a bike lane will hopefully be used by the bikers. However, there is another problem that seems to be completely ignored. Although we have underground wiring on our street, S.E. 54th, we are frequently the victims of power outages due to trees falling on East Mercer and S.E. 53rd Place. Would it not make sense to coordinate the paving of the path with the burying of the power lines? There seems to be a continuing trimming of trees along these roads, which has to be an expensive cost to the city. This trimming does not prevent the trees from falling on the power lines, which results in several days at a time of our being without power. One year because of the extended loss of power, we had to move to a hotel at considerable personal expense. May we suggest that the city coordinate with the power company and at least ask them to share the expense and bury the lines, which would be a considerable saving to all of us, as we pay as taxpayers and power customers.

Kathleen and Tom May

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.

blog comments powered by Disqus