A tree downed by Tropical Force winds during Hurricane Sandy Monday on Princeton Street near Marion Street caused a brief power outage that affected several blocks on Eagle Hill. A coordinated effort between the city of Boston, NStar, the Boston police and other agencies ensured that several power outages that East Boston suffered during the storm were not long standing events.
While Hurricane Sandy packed a milder punch than what was expected for East Boston and the surrounding area, the storm did cause its fair share of problems for residents.
High winds with some gusts topping 50 mph, Sandy brought down trees across Eastie Monday causing several brief power outages in the neighborhood.
However, a coordinated effort between the City of Boston, NStar, the Boston Police and other agencies made the inconveniences that a storm like Sandy may have caused minimal.
The day began with District 7 Captain McCormick issuing extra patrols. City and State employees were also in the neighborhood to make rounds and immediately call in downed trees and power lines.
The first power outage occurred on Princeton Street at 2 p.m. when a large decades old tree toppled from a yard during a strong wind gust from the storm. The tree took out power lines and a transformer on the street. The outage affected Princeton and Marion Streets, including the Barnes School senior housing complex. In less than 20 minutes NStar, fire and police were on the scene to correct the problem.
Another power outage occurred in Orient Heights as more trees and power lines came down as the storm picked up in intensity around 3 p.m.
By 5 p.m., Boston Public Works trucks were busy in the neighborhood making rounds to remove debris, tree limbs and other obstacles from the streets in Eastie.
Then at 5:30 p.m. a third power outage took place along Trenton and Putnam Streets. NStar was on the scene to restore power to those homes along the stretch.
By 8 p.m. power had been restored to the Barnes School as well as other streets affected by the storm.
The timely responses by the city in Eastie and throughout the city was so comprehensive and thorough that, much to the chagrin of students, Mayor Thomas Menino announced later in the evening that school would be open in Boston on Tuesday.
Menino also announced Tuesday that City officials will work closely with home and business owners affected by Hurricane Sandy in an effort to reopen local businesses and get people back to work. In addition to providing resources to affected businesses, Boston Home Center staff will be working with homeowners and senior homeowners to help facilitate any necessary renovations due to the storm.
“The Department of Neighborhood Development’s Boston Home Center and Office of Business Development are your go-to resources for repairing any damages to your home or business,” said Menino. “It’s so important that residents and business owners take care of water or wind damage before the winter comes, and the City is equipped to help in getting that work done effectively.”
Businesses affected by the hurricane can reach the Office of Business Development at 617-635-0355 and Boston Home Center staff is available to answer any questions regarding the home repair process and can be reached at 617.635.HOME or via www.bostonhomecenter.com.