Edison, NJ – For more than 40 years, Chris Orsogna, a resident of Edison, his parents and siblings have called the same quiet town home. He’s watched the town grow and change, paid taxes, and taken pride in maintaining his property. He has been a cornerstone of our youth sports community, growing up in the football and baseball programs, winning multiple state titles in high school and volunteering his time coaching to this day. But now, what should be a simple act of maintenance has turned into a frustrating, months-long ordeal that highlights a larger issue with town accountability and a public safety.
The problem? A massive dead tree on his curb — classified as a township-owned tree — with power lines running directly through its withered branches.
“I can’t trim it. I can’t remove it. I can’t even touch it,” said Orsogna, whose home lies near the tree. “I’ve contacted the Edison Department of Public Works, and they say it’s PSE&G’s responsibility because of the wires. Then PSE&G tells me it’s the town’s problem because it’s a township tree. Meanwhile, the tree is literally rotting in front of my house.”
In the middle of June, the tree is still shedding dead leaves, an unusual and ominous sign. Large branches have broken off and fallen into the street, posing a clear liability and growing hazard to drivers, pedestrians, and nearby homes.
“This isn’t just an eyesore anymore — it’s a safety risk,” Orsogna said. “Someone walking by, someone driving past, even someone sitting in my house or my neighbor’s house could be seriously hurt if one of these limbs comes down.”
“This isn’t an unusual problem, we deal with trees growing into power lines all the time” said one veteran Edison Public Works employee. “For situations like this, where the lines are live and the tree is a significant hazard, we don’t handle it ourselves. We always contract out to a certified tree service that has the specialized equipment and training to safely cut down trees with electric lines running right through them. Honestly, I’m not sure why it hasn’t been done yet, as this is a textbook case for it. It’s a major liability that should be addressed immediately.”
Despite repeated calls, emails, and even photos sent to both the town and utility company, the problem remains unresolved. Orsogna says he’s been “given the runaround” for months, with each agency pointing fingers at the other.
“After over 40 years living in Edison, this is how I’m treated? Like I don’t exist?” he added. “I take care of my property. I do everything I’m supposed to. But when I ask the town to take care of their responsibility — their tree — I get ignored.”
Neighbors have begun to take notice as well, concerned about falling debris and the potential for power outages or accidents. The lack of action from either the town or PSE&G raises serious questions about accountability and public safety protocols.
“This tree should’ve been dealt with long ago,” said one nearby resident. “It’s just a matter of time before someone gets hurt. And then what? Are they going to argue about whose fault it is while someone’s in the hospital?”
For now, the tree remains — branches drooping, bark peeling, and leaves scattering like confetti in the middle of summer.
“I’m not asking for special treatment,” Orsogna concluded. “I’m just asking for someone to do their job — before it’s too late.”
