Resident says Comcast work encroached on private property; seeks county or company remediation
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Summary
Michael Brown told commissioners Comcast installed lines he says run 15 feet onto his property where no utility easement exists and that he spent $5,000 to remove hazardous trees; he said Comcast has stopped responding and he asked the county for help resolving the issue.
Michael Brown, a Lexington Park resident, told the St. Mary’s County Commissioners that utility work by Comcast encroached onto his private property and that the company has stopped responding to his attempts to resolve the matter.
Brown said he and county staff reviewed property titles and that his title search showed no utility easement on the side of his property where he now sees Comcast lines that he said extend about 15 feet onto his land. He said the situation led to the removal of three large trees this spring to protect the house, an expense he said cost more than $5,000.
“I'd like to know why the lines are there, why nobody would like to do anything about it,” Brown said. He said he had spoken with county staff (he referenced speaking with “Mister Gotch” and Commissioner Scott Ostrow) and that Comcast has since stopped responding to his calls. He also referenced the clause in Comcast’s agreement that he said covers repair for damage done to properties.
Brown also raised the sidewalk and snow-removal issue in the same public comment, and he asked the county to clarify liability when homeowners clear sidewalks after snow.
Commissioner President Randy Guy said county staff and directors would review the concerns and follow up with residents. Brown said he would prefer county or Comcast remediation rather than pursue legal action.
Why it matters: The complaint raises questions about utility-company easements, property rights, operator communications and who bears costs when infrastructure work affects private property.
