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Mineola adopts local law to tackle duplicate utility poles, citing safety and accessibility
Summary
The Village of Mineola unanimously adopted a local law creating Chapter 440 to require removal of redundant utility poles after officials said a village survey found more than 240 duplicate poles; the board cited pedestrian safety, accessibility and visual blight.
The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Mineola unanimously adopted a local law creating Chapter 440 of the village code to pursue removal of duplicate utility poles across the village.
Mayor Ferrer told the board and the public that the village conducted a survey and "counted over 240 locations where there are double poles," and said the measure is intended to give the village enforcement leverage when utilities do not coordinate pole removals. Ferrer said the board had attempted to resolve the issue through state regulators and representatives but encountered delays, and the local law is intended as a local enforcement tool rather than a financial penalty the village seeks to profit from.
The public hearing drew residents who described visible hazards and maintenance problems tied to old and new poles. Angela Glassman thanked the board for the proposal and asked whether utilities that trench one side of a street are required to repave the other side; the mayor and staff explained that utilities must repave the half of the street they trenched and that full milling and paving is scheduled when conditions permit. Residents also raised concerns about loose circular wiring near sidewalks and school routes that can be reached by children.
Board members stressed that the law aims for compliance rather than immediate enforcement and acknowledged the problem will take time to fully remediate. The board voted to adopt the local law after a motion by Deputy Mayor Sartorius and a second from Trustee Soloski; the roll call recorded unanimous "yes" votes.
The law gives the village authority to issue notices of violation and pursue fines or court action if utilities fail to remove redundant poles. Officials said the village will continue coordinated work on related issues — such as street repaving and LED streetlight replacements — that are affected by utility relocation.
The ordinance was adopted at the close of the public hearing; trustees advised residents to submit contact information if they want follow‑up from village staff about specific street repairs or safety concerns.
