Select Board approves National Grid request to add pole P6 at 26 Chestnut Hill Road

HAMPTON, July 21, 2025 — The Hampton Select Board voted to approve National Grid’s poll petition to install a new utility pole, labeled P6, to serve 26 Chestnut Hill Road. The pole addition is intended to provide a shorter, more reliable service route to the property and allow National Grid to re-energize the home so remediation and rebuilding can proceed. Rob Green, speaking for National Grid, described the request as “an effort for reliability, for the customer at the end of this road of Chestnut Hill” and said the new service would run alongside the homeowner’s driveway rather than through the woods. The homeowner at 26 Chestnut Hill Road said the house suffered a fire in April and that “we can't begin asbestos remediation or smoke remediation until such time as the house could be reenergized,” explaining why the shorter span is needed. Select Board members clarified that pole P5 will remain in place and that P6 will be added nearby. One Select Board member moved to approve the placement of pole P6 at 26 Chestnut Hill Road, described in the motion as approximately “840 feet northeast of the center line of the intersection of Forest Hill Road.” The motion passed on voice vote. The board supplied the standard caveat that placement and final work must be coordinated with the highway superintendent so the pole and associated equipment do not interfere with travel lanes, snow removal or other highway operations. The board’s approval was framed as permission for the placement; National Grid will carry out the physical work and coordinate permits and clearances as required. Less critical details: National Grid confirmed P6 is a new pole so there will not be a double pole at the site, and the company and the homeowner indicated there were no objections to leaving P5 in place while adding P6. The board concluded the public hearing with the approval vote and wished the resident luck on the rebuilding process.