DeKALB – Even if DeKalb has stronger ordinances protecting the city’s trees and vegetation, they would not have stopped ComEd from clearing the Nature Trail.

“Nothing that we currently have, nor are what we will able to find from comparable communities, is legislation to prevent ComEd from doing what it did,” City Manager Mark Biernacki said. “They have various authorities from their easements, as well as federal regulations, that would trump local ordinances.”

Because ComEd has full authority in its easement, which are areas under and around power lines, the city has limited power to control the utility’s work, Public Works Director T.J. Moore said.