Council approves Verizon conduit work tied to MassDOT project; business owner says construction has damaged private property

The New Bedford City Council approved multiple Verizon petitions to install underground conduit in County Street and nearby intersections, including work tied to an upcoming MassDOT rehabilitation project, and attached conditions that Verizon coordinate scheduling and traffic details with property owners.

John Moore, representing Verizon, told the council the conduit work will be done either in coordination with MassDOT’s larger County Street rehabilitation or as stand-alone trenching where MassDOT is not involved. Moore said Verizon will provide paid police details and that Verizon expects to restore pavement; he also said he would confirm whether MassDOT would repave areas where the state project overlaps Verizon’s work.

The council voted to adopt an order for the County/Hillman Street job with a stipulation that a police detail be present during construction. Councilor Giesta made the motion to adopt with the stipulation, seconded by Councilor Baptiste; members approved on a voice vote.

The council also received and approved two MassDOT-related petitions (items 6 and 7) requesting banks of conduits at County/Cedar Grove and other nearby intersections. Councilors emphasized coordination with MassDOT for scheduling and restoration. Councilor Sean Oliver moved to adopt with the condition that Verizon coordinate with property owners at the County/Cedar Grove locations on timing and appropriate use of property; Councilor Maria Giesta seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

During public comment, property owner Lee Miguel (listing an address on Purchase Street) told the council he owns buildings at 2031 and 2071 Purchase Street and said contractors tied to the MassDOT/utility work have repeatedly entered his private property, parked equipment on his land, and left excavations and steel plates that have damaged asphalt and interrupted business operations. Miguel asked the council and city staff to require specific schedules, property coordination, and reimbursement or repairs when private property is damaged. He said contractors have blocked access to his businesses and church tenants and that he has repeatedly had equipment towed.

Councilors responded by agreeing to help the speaker connect with MassDOT project managers and city departments to pursue repairs and scheduling coordination. Councilor Oliver said the council would obtain the speaker’s contact information to set up a meeting with city staff and MassDOT contractors so the issues could be addressed.

The council also formally received the speaker’s communications and placed them on file for follow-up. A motion to receive and place the communication on file was made by Councilor Joseph Lopes and seconded by Councilor Sean Oliver; the motion passed.

Speakers during the item included John Moore (Verizon), property owner Lee Miguel (public commenter), Councilor Sean Oliver, Councilor Maria Giesta, Councilor Brian Gomes and other council members who questioned scheduling, paving, and police detail arrangements.

Council members instructed staff to follow up with MassDOT and Verizon on scheduling, paving responsibilities, police details, and coordination with affected property owners before or during construction.