Residents say Duke Energy field staff told homeowners trees would be removed for Dan Jones Road work; council to follow up

Several homeowners told the Avon Town Council that a Duke Energy field representative told them trees on the berm alongside Dan Jones Road would be removed and that the county would reimburse affected property owners.

"They started off by telling them that the county had ordered energy to remove those trees and that the county would reimburse the homeowners for that expense," said Dave Hops, who identified himself as a representative of the Habas Springs HOA and gave his address as 7839 Red Sunset Way. Hops said homeowners are seeing flagging and markings and conflicting statements about whether sidewalks and poles are being shifted east or west.

Marvin Selva, 7960 Red Sunset Way, said he received a Duke Energy pamphlet and was told the work could require moving poles and gaining easements of up to 50 feet, and that several trees on the berm were marked "remove." "It's like we don't know what's happening," Selva said, and he said he recorded a conversation with a Duke Energy representative to document what was said.

Both residents said the field contact indicated a scope of work that would remove mature, 35-year-old trees and that homeowners were unclear about what would be paid for or reimbursed. "The gentleman made very clear to me that they were removing the berm, the trees — everything's getting knocked out," Selva said.

Town staff acknowledged the concerns and pledged follow-up. Public Works staff member Steve told the council he would attend a planned meeting with Duke Energy and the project's construction engineer to seek clarification and promised to report back to the council and residents.

The town did not provide additional technical details during the meeting about the exact easements, survey limits or whether the county had ordered tree removal; those questions were raised repeatedly by residents. Council members asked staff to pursue clear documentation from Duke Energy and the road project team. The council did not take formal action at the meeting on the Dan Jones Road work.

Next steps: Public Works staff will meet with Duke Energy and the engineer on the project and update council and residents on the scope of tree work, pole relocation and any compensation or easement agreements.