Residents complain of MetroNet digs, flags and contractor practices as fiber installation continues

Village staff told residents MetroNet is about halfway through its installation and that multiple contractor crews (named on-site as Gridlock, Bloodhound and USIC) are working in different neighborhoods. Staff asked homeowners not to remove buried-utility flags and explained that the flags mark multiple utilities (gas, water, electric and telecommunications).

Residents asked whether door-to-door canvassers should carry permits and company identification. Staff said they were investigating reports of unpermitted solicitors and had asked MetroNet for clarification; the village noted solicitation permits are required for anyone going door-to-door. Staff also explained permitted working hours and that hand-digging windows were allowed under the contract from 7 a.m. and that crews generally work 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with restoration crews following the drill crews.

Several homeowners asked about the plastic lids and green boxes that appeared on lawns; staff said the final lid should sit flush with the ground and that contractors will return after the thaw to bury lines and restore grass. Residents were urged to clearly mark private invisible-fence lines and sprinkler heads in easements; staff warned that unmarked private devices are the homeowner’s responsibility and could be damaged by contractors but that crews would repair obvious damage when reported.

Village staff said they will hold monthly check-ins with MetroNet to review progress and responded to residents’ requests for faster patch work by inviting a list of locations where settling has occurred so crews can prioritize repairs.