Officials: Don't Worry About Low-Flying Helicopters

Chatham Borough residents should not worry at the sight of low-flying helicopters in the area, according to Borough Administrator Bob Falzarano.

"Jersey Central [Power & Light, JCP&L] has been conducting aerial inspection of the power lines," Falzarano said.

JCP&L inspects power lines by flying about 300 to 400 feet overhead, searching for tree encroachment into the easement or mechanical issues, according to a fax from JCP&L to the borough, dated Aug. 1.

"Usually we don't get notice that far in advance, so I try to get it up as soon as possible," Falzarano said. According to the fax, inspections took place on Aug. 1 and 2.

Falzarano also said he met with PSE&G regarding their planned upgrades to their plans for the , which would upgrade the capacity of their transmission lines from 138,000 voltage to a 230,000 volt system in 15 municipalities across 35 miles of northern and central New Jersey, including Chatham Borough and Chatham Township.

Councilman Bruce Harris asked if PSE&G's plans would impact the Chatham Community Garden, which lies below PSE&G utility wires on the northern side of Main Street at Division Avenue.

"One thing we did ask is, is it going to impact the garden, and they said no," Falzarano said.

It's That Time of Year Again

Falzarano also said that he started looking at the 2012 budget and asked the various department heads within the borough to submit their budgets by Sept. 15. he expects to meet with the Finance Committee in late September or early October.

Falzarano also addressed improvements to water lines at the ECLC School in Chatham Borough and the borough's microsurfacing road improvement program.