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Council continues Verizon/Eversource pole-relocation hearing after resident raises driveway, safety concerns
Summary
The City Council on March 20 continued a hearing on a Verizon/Eversource petition for a pole relocation on East New Lenox Road after nearby residents said a pole placed at an angle blocks their driveway and complicates use of a camper.
The Pittsfield City Council on March 20 opened a public hearing on a petition from Verizon New England and Eversource seeking permission to relocate one jointly owned pole and install another on East New Lenox Road, and continued the hearing to its next meeting after residents described access and safety problems.
Don Bonner, representing Verizon, told councilors the poles were already in place as part of work associated with the Sackett Brook bridge project and that Verizon was seeking formal approval because the utility installation process had not completed the municipal approvals before field work. “Upon visiting the site, it looks exactly like you see it here,” Bonner said.
Two abutters, Wendy and Matthew Greiner of 276 East New Lenox Road, told the council the pole (identified as pole 28 in petition paperwork) had been installed at an angle over their driveway, leaving insufficient clearance for their camper and creating repeated interference with overhead wires. Matthew Greiner said the pole had been described to residents as temporary but now obstructed vehicle movements; they asked that Verizon and Eversource either reattach lines to a different pole farther north or consider burying the line if necessary.
Councillor Conant moved to continue the public hearing to the council’s next meeting so city staff, Verizon and Eversource could inspect the site and discuss options with the residents. The petitioner agreed to meet the homeowners and coordinate with Eversource’s right-of-way staff. Councilors also asked the city solicitor to clarify the legal consequence if a pole were already installed but later not approved; the solicitor said she would examine the question and report back.
On a motion to continue the hearing to the April meeting, the council voted unanimously to carry the petition forward. The continuance gives Verizon and Eversource time to consult with the Greiners, confirm whether the pole is temporary, and provide alternative placement or an engineering plan to protect driveway access.
