Londonderry holds public hearing on cable franchise renewal as residents press to remove 'ghost' poles

Londonderry Township held a public hearing Sept. 2 on its Cable/TV franchise renewal with Verizon, where residents called for stronger action to remove unused 'ghost' utility poles and to ensure the township receives owed franchise payments.

Township Manager David Blechertas told the board it retained Cohan Law Group to negotiate a new agreement with Verizon and to verify that fees due under the current contract have been paid. Chairman Ron Kopp opened and closed the hearing; the board took public comment and heard from residents and staff.

Resident Ron Grierson urged that language be included to remove inactive utility poles, saying a pole has been in his backyard for two years and that Verizon and Comcast each blame the other. Solicitor Brett Flowers replied that removal of ghost poles "would not be part of the agreement" and would require a separate ordinance, noting that Gettysburg Borough recently enacted similar legislation.

Public Works Director Andy Brandt told the board the township has experienced delays when trees have fallen on lines and companies have not promptly responded. "They will not maintain their lines until they are on the ground," Brandt said, describing operational gaps that affect response time.

Manager Blechertas cautioned that franchise revenue has declined as residents disconnect cable service. "When residents ‘cut cable’ it reduces the fee that Verizon would pay to the Township," he said, and he said he would forward public comments to Cohan Law Group as the firm negotiates with Verizon.

Chairman Kopp closed the hearing at 7:14 p.m.; the board did not take immediate action on pole removal and noted that any change would require drafting and approving a separate ordinance.