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Medford council approves National Grid pole and transformer work with engineering conditions
Summary
The council granted multiple National Grid petitions to remove, replace or add joint-owned utility poles and transformers at Fulton Street, Main Street and Frederick Avenue, approving the engineering division’s conditions for ADA clearance, sidewalk restoration and notice requirements.
The Medford City Council approved several National Grid petitions on June 10 to remove, replace or add joint-owned utility poles and to add transformers and associated equipment at locations including Fulton Street, 574 Fulton Street and near Main Street and Frederick Avenue.
National Grid representatives described the work as needed to replace a leaning pole on Fulton Street and to add transformer capacity where local feeders are overloaded. The engineering division recommended approvals with standard conditions: DigSafe notification and applicable permits; at least 36 inches (or 30 inches in some locations) of clearance to the accessible travel path in accordance with ADA regulations; cement concrete sidewalk restoration in kind at the time of installation (temporary pavement allowed for short interim periods in one case); police details where work would affect narrow, heavily traveled roadways; 72-hour advance coordination with the city’s communications director for public notice; and daily sweeping and debris removal.
Members of the public raised questions about nearby historic signage at Rapallo Corner; the city engineer confirmed the work would not affect the Rapallo Corner sign. Neighbor Joe De Cristoforo asked for clarification about how many transformers would be placed and whether work would block the road; National Grid and the city engineer said the transformer would be pole-mounted and the work would not permanently affect the roadway.
Outcome: The council approved the National Grid grants of location with the engineering division’s recommended conditions. Motions were made by Vice President Collins and others and passed by roll-call votes recorded in the meeting minutes.
