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Neighbors say Verizon crews began work despite suspended permit; board staff advise 311
Summary
Neighbors told the Board of Appeals that construction crews attached equipment to a utility pole after the related permit had been suspended for an upcoming appeal; they provided photos and alleged the work did not match approved plans.
Ankur Luthra, a resident of 2901 Pine Street, told the Board of Appeals on Oct. 16 that crews began installing a vertical Verizon extension while his neighborhood’s permit was under suspension pending an appeal. Luthra said the installed hardware did not match the permitted plans and described the crew’s explanation as a misrepresentation; he called the conduct "fraud" in public comment.
"They started placing this extension on top of the pole... I would call that fraud in my definition," Luthra said, and told the board he would bring photos to the formal hearing. He said the work was physically bolted in place and observed by neighbors after a workday.
Board staff and other officials recommended standard reporting channels. A board staff member advised the neighbors to call 311 and the executive director offered to follow up with Public Works; the transcript records a staff pledge to contact Public Works and to follow up the next day.
Neighbor Peter Kotsernes supported Luthra’s account at the public-comment period, saying Verizon proceeded despite a suspended permit and calling the company a "bad actor." The board did not take a formal enforcement vote but asked staff to pursue follow-up and told the speaker to provide contact information and any photographic evidence at the clerk’s desk.
The complaint is scheduled for a later, formal appeal hearing referenced as appeal 19-087; the Oct. 16 meeting served to notify the board of alleged permit violation and to record neighbor testimony.
