EDITORIAL: We're glad for tree compromise, but why did Oncor wait so long?
Heavens be praised. A compromise has been forged between Oncor Electric Delivery, working to upgrade stately power lines in our area, and some very determined Woodway residents understandably reluctant to see cherished trees on their land fall unnecessarily in the path of progress.
We’re happy both sides found common ground — and that there’s room on that ground for some trees and shrubs to yet flourish, even in the shadow of progress. Our question: Why Oncor opted to suffer weeks of bad publicity and ill will, not to mention an appearance in local court that put everybody out.
Oncor officials were tight-lipped about the tree compromise when Trib staff writer Cindy Culp called. However, it’s likely Oncor bet that residents would simply back down in the face of the mighty electric delivery company.
Surprise. They didn’t.
Under terms of the agreement, Oncor will clear trees only within 25 feet of each side of the transmission line rather than wiping out everything within a full 70-foot swath. Oncor also will make key exceptions for some structures and trees within that 50-foot swath. Finally, residents will have the right to plant some trees and shrubs in a portion of the easement — likely plants like dogwoods and crepe myrtles that don’t reach the great heights that oak and pecan trees do.
The agreement won’t save all trees. Our sympathies go to local resident Julia Khoury, who tells Culp she’ll still lose 131 of about 140 trees on her land. But at least Oncor showed flexibility, if belatedly. Attorney and local tree enthusiast Rick Bostwick says he’s satisfied with the arrangement.
And, if it helps any, dogwoods are beautiful about this time of year.
More importantly, Oncor may have learned a lesson about people. Texans can prove feisty about property rights, and it pays to work out agreements with them rather than pursuing slash-and-burn policies that only alienate one’s customer base.
Considering similar clashes over local trees in recent years, we’ll likely see if any lesson was learned all too soon.
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