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Framingham council approves Verizon pole relocation at Winch Street to clear driveway access
Summary
The council approved a grant of location allowing Verizon to move a utility pole at Winch Street that currently sits in the middle of a driveway. Verizon said moving the existing pole requires placing a new pole nearby to maintain span and service; the council approved the request after confirming restoration of the old pole site.
The Framingham City Council on April 1 approved a grant of location request from Verizon to relocate a utility pole on Winch Street that one resident said sits in the middle of a driveway.
Dawn Devonna, representing Verizon, described the company’s site visit and said the current pole sits in the driveway for a planned access point for a new development. “There is a utility pole that's smack dab right now in the middle of their driveway that needs to be moved off to the side,” Devonna said. Verizon’s plan will move the existing pole laterally and add a replacement pole to avoid a long unsupported span of cable.
Councilors asked whether the pole location resulted from new driveway construction and whether rubble from prior pole removals would be cleared. Councilor Christopher Long said the driveway appears new and questioned why the developer could not have chosen a design that avoided moving poles. Councilor Laura Alexander sought assurance that Verizon would remove debris and restore the former pole site; Devonna said the area will be paved or otherwise made safe for vehicle access.
The council opened and closed the public hearing and approved the grant of location by roll call; the motion passed unanimously. The council chair noted abutters were notified by certified mail and that the notice met publication requirements.
Ending: Verizon’s work will proceed to relocate the pole, with city staff and the company expected to coordinate on site restoration after removal. The council’s action clears the way for the driveway and associated construction to proceed.
