This morning, Rob W from Eyes on EB woke up to what can only be described as a sidewalk-length scroll of messages from local resident Stephen Daniel. It was passionate. It was informative. It was deeply concerned about tree roots—and maybe just a little bit petty.
Stephen, who prefers to air his grievances to Eyes on EB instead of risking an online run-in with East Brunswick’s anti-Israel Town Council antagonist known as Citizen of Earth, had some things to get off his chest.
Apparently, he’s already shelled out thousands of dollars to repair his sidewalks. Why? Because the township’s trees in Colonial Oaks were planted in poor soil. According to Stephen, the area’s clay-based ground forces tree roots to grow shallow, which means they creep up, crack concrete, and become trip hazards. The town may trim the roots and maintain the trees, but sidewalk repairs fall 100% on the homeowner.
“I wasn’t forced,” Stephen wrote. “They were already dug up. But it’s still the homeowner’s responsibility.”
He also noted that when roots are cut, trees sprout from the base—a sign of distress. His message came with a fair warning: if the township tries to replant, he’s digging them up himself. No hesitation.
Stephen’s not the only one feeling root rage. He says most of his neighbors have replaced their sidewalks too—some voluntarily, some after pressure from the town. But now, in what feels like a slap in the face, the township is coming around planting free trees right next to newly fixed sidewalks.
“It’s irresponsible to replant trees where the sidewalks were messed up from trees.”
Stephen even cited his own backyard maple as an example. Exposed roots, terrible soil, and lingering frustration.
“When we did our flood abatement stuff, I really saw how bad the soil is.”
By the end of the message marathon, Stephen started to drift into other areas—mentioning a clear-cut forest for the new fields and that the tree farm on Fern Road is about to become a development.
But don’t worry—we’re saving that part of the saga for another day.
For now, Stephen Daniel remains Eyes on EB’s most passionate sidewalk correspondent. And honestly? He’s probably not wrong.
