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Lumos representatives outline broadband rollout to Elyria neighborhoods; ask city help locating underground utilities
Summary
Lumos staff told council the company is preparing to expand fiber service in Lorain County, said the project will take several years and requested city assistance for underground utility locates and resident outreach.
Lumos representatives returned to Elyria City Council on Sept. 2 to update members on the company’s planned fiber expansion into Lorain County and to outline a local timeline and community outreach plan.
Steve Christen, director of market development for Lumos, told the council the company has formally announced it is coming into Lorain County and has moved up its timeline for service in Elyria from an earlier estimate of about a year to roughly six months for initial work. “There are people in our community now that need access that don't have it,” Christen said, arguing that broadband is essential for appointments, navigation and other services. He described the overall project as a three- to four-year effort and said Lumos aims to prioritize yard restoration and communication with residents during construction.
Christen explained that ‘locates’ — field crews marking underground utilities with colored flags — slow construction and that the company will need municipal support in coordinating locates and right-of-way work. He also described a multi-channel resident outreach plan that will include direct mail, door hangers, sandwich boards and a color-coded handout explaining what different locate flag colors mean.
Councilmembers asked whether the city uses outside GPS contractors to map utilities; the city’s engineering staff confirmed the city does GPS and contracts for locating gas, electric and phone lines when needed. Lumos said they will remain in contact with the city and residents and offered to meet with council members after the session to answer detailed questions.
No formal action was taken; Lumos representatives said they would return with further updates. Council and staff indicated willingness to coordinate on locates and notified residents about construction timing as details become available.
