Mayor Keffer Releases Update on Power Outages

A JCP&L spokesman called my home last night to give an update on the power outages in Springfield. As of last night, the company reported outages on Hillside Avenue and Fieldstone Road affecting about 140 households.

Today, I visited with the work crews in order to understand the work they have to do and to talk about their progress. Hillside Avenue homes have power, but the line continuing onto Baltusrol Golf Course and running up to a transformer still needs work. A tree fell across the line up there and damaged a transformer. While the new pole has arrived, the transformer has not. It will take some time to finish that job.

On Fieldstone Road, there was an assessment team present to determine what work and equipment are needed. However, there wasn't a tree crew there to remove the tree that fell through the wires.

Then a resident in the Columbia Court Apartments on Maple Avenue emailed to report half of the building has been without power all week. I've met with the Leasing Manager and understand they have spoken with JCP&L but this location was not on the list given last night.

As promised, I called the JCP&L regional manager to express concern that priority was being given to a pump house over our residents on Fieldstone. The manager agreed. He will call back this afternoon with an update report and I will pass it along. 

The spokesperson said the two known sites should be repaired by the end of business. If more sites are reported, the company is on the job all weekend and will add any new sites to their list.

 Many residents have expressed greater concern than the current outage and we will remember this once power returns.

Mosquito Protection Information

The Westfield Regional has posted precautions for residents to lower the risk of disease from mosquitoes.  We highly recommend that all residents check their property for pooling water. If you know of a neighbor's house that is currently empty, please alert town hall so that we may have the health officer check the property. More information can be found by clicking here or by contacting the Westfield Regional Health Department at 908-789-4070.

Hugh A. Keffer,Mayor