National Grid gets Select Board OK for Burlingame Road pole after resident concern

The Charlton Select Board approved a request from Massachusetts Electric Company (doing business as National Grid) and Verizon New England to place a joint pole on Burlingame Road to support a residential service upgrade following a public hearing on Jan. 27.

National Grid representative Robert Williams introduced the company's request and told the board "everything you guys said is completely accurate as to why the poll is being requested," explaining the need for increased wire clearance and heavier cable to meet modern service requirements. Williams said the proposed location had been moved to align with existing street poles and to avoid service lines crossing private property where possible.

A resident who identified himself as living at 155 Burlingame Road expressed concern that an initial stake had been placed about 20 feet from his bow window and said the proximity was unacceptable. He said the company ultimately moved the planned pole to the street and in line with neighboring poles to reduce visual impact and to avoid encroaching on a neighbor's driveway.

Board members asked questions about whether the pole would impose any costs on the homeowner; staff said there would be no charge to the resident. Police and DPW had reviewed the request and raised no objections; no other residents filed objections in writing, according to staff. The board closed the hearing and voted to approve the request that evening.

The board instructed staff to note the record of the hearing and permit; National Grid and Verizon will proceed with any required construction and notify affected property owners as required by the permit process.