UPDATE - Nov. 14, 2 a.m. - The Hyattsville City Council approved PEPCO's request by a vote of 6-0-1. Hyattsville Councilor Tim Hunt (Ward 3) abstained from the measure, saying he wanted more detailed rationale for the removal of the trees. 

Original article below:

PEPCO is asking the Hyattsville City Council to approve a measure allowing it to remove six trees, all in Ward 3. The goal is to try to prevent damage to electric utility lines near the trees which might result from a powerful storm. 

Five of the trees, two pear trees, two maple trees and a pine tree are located on the 3300 block of Gumwood Drive. 

A fifth, a locust tree, is located in the 7100 block of Bridle Path Lane. 

All of the trees are publicly owned, located in the city's right of way which runs along the roads. See the location of each tree in the map to the right of this article. 

If the city council approves the measure, then PEPCO will request permission from Maryland state forestry officials before proceeding with the tree removal.

The measure will be taken up by the Hyattsville City Council tonight at 8 p.m. in the Hyattsville Municipal Building on Gallatin Street.