Somerville committee conditions Eversource conduit to avoid crossing abutters’ lots at 70 Vernon

The Somerville City Licenses & Permits Committee approved an Eversource grant of location to install 48 feet of conduit in Vernon Street to provide electric service to 70 Vernon Street, but only after adding conditions to protect abutters’ property lines.

Jackie Duffy, an Eversource representative, told the committee the proposed handhole would be set on the customer’s property and that project plans did not show crossing into neighboring lots. Neighbors including Tyler Barbosa and relatives raised concerns that prior interactions with the applicant suggested the company might encroach on their property, damage plantings and require them to pay to repair yards.

"We understand that Eversource required a grant of location, but prior ... we told them we would not like you to proceed into our property," said Tyler Barbosa, who said his family has documentation of their property lines and asked the committee to ensure the work does not cross their land. Eversource replied it would not intend to go on the abutters’ yard as shown in its plans and agreed to meet with the neighbors.

Councilors debated adding two stipulations: (1) the conduit and any handholes must not cross into abutting properties, and (2) Eversource must meet with abutters prior to installation to verify property boundaries. The clerk put the conditions to a roll-call vote and all three councilors present voted in favor; the item was recommended for approval as conditioned.

Chair Willie Brownlee Jr. reminded the public that the committee’s action is a recommendation and that installation cannot begin until city permits are issued and, because of the winter moratorium, work is unlikely to start until spring.

The committee’s conditions place responsibility on Eversource and the applicants to coordinate with neighbors and confirm property lines before any field work begins.