Lake Bluff board OKs fiber public right-of-way license with Level 3 Communications

The Lake Bluff Village Board on March 9 approved a public right-of-way license with Level 3 Communications LLC to permit installation of fiber optic cables in village rights-of-way under terms designed to protect municipal infrastructure and residents.

Village staff summarized the agreement’s key provisions: an initial five-year term with automatic five-year renewals if the licensee remains in compliance; directional boring or jacking as the required installation method unless waived by the village engineer; a restoration security deposit of $6 per linear foot; requirements to televise sanitary and stormwater mains before and after construction to check for impacts; and comprehensive liability and insurance requirements, with a minimum general liability of $5,000,000.

Staff said Level 3 will act as a long-haul provider and will not offer direct internet or cable service to Lake Bluff residents; separate providers could use rights-of-way to bring retail service. Trustees asked about how many providers the roadway can accommodate, timing of construction and impacts on Green Bay Road staging. A Level 3 representative and staff said the vendor anticipates targeted work on the west side of Green Bay Road, will try to avoid re-digging pavement the village plans to replace, and that crews may be in neighboring communities as scheduling allows. Staff noted some streets might require small potholes for utility depth checks but that open-trenching will generally be avoided.

The board approved the license by roll-call vote. Staff said they will bring the Level 3 representative to a subsequent meeting (Monday) to answer further questions and finalize schedules for staging and resident notifications.