Malden council tables several National Grid petitions, seeks changes to transformer siting

The Malden City Council on Monday opened several public hearings on petitions from Massachusetts Electric Company DBA National Grid to install underground conduits and pad-mounted equipment on Main and Summer streets, but tabled multiple items to allow further coordination on equipment siting and abutter notice corrections.

Councilor Crowe moved to table the petition for 204 Main Street (paper 150-26) after National Grid explained the plan to trench and install six 4-inch conduits to a proposed switch module and pad. Councilor O'Malley said front-street transformers and the large yellow bollards used to protect them are “unsightly” and can block wheelchair and stroller access, and asked National Grid to work with property owners on relocation or screening. “I would advocate that we try to work with National Grid wherever possible to relocate these transformers farther onto the property and maybe even screened by like a fence or landscaping,” Councilor O'Malley said.

Zane Juma, representing National Grid, told the council the utility places equipment at the front of buildings to ensure 24/7 access, to meet required clearances and because many customers will not provide sufficient space behind buildings. “We need at least 10 ft of clearance all around our equipment,” Juma said, adding that truck access and cost-to-serve considerations often make front placement the only practical option. He offered landscaping as a mitigation used on other permits.

After discussion the council voted by voice to table paper 150-26 so National Grid and property owners could explore relocation or screening options before returning to a future hearing.

Councilor Crowe also moved to table paper 151-26 (pad and conduit work near 213 Main Street, identified as a tight site at a Salvation Army location) to allow additional conversations; Councilor O'Malley recused herself from that discussion. The council agreed to defer the petition.

Separately, the council addressed paper 153-26 and noted inconsistencies in the published materials: the notice referenced both “110 Main Street” and “1100 Main Street” in different places. Staff confirmed the certified abutters list had used 1100 Main Street but the public notice contained inconsistent wording; several councilors said the discrepancy warranted rehearing to ensure proper notice to affected neighbors and asked that the item be tabled pending corrected notice.

One conduit petition, paper 152-26 (Summer Street), which would trench roughly 40 feet to install two 4-inch conduits to serve a gas regulator control, was approved on a motion by Councilor O'Malley, seconded by Councilor Colon Hayes. The grant included two conditions: that the engineer be called when Dig Safe is notified and that streets and sidewalks be restored to the satisfaction of the director of public works.

The council did not record roll-call vote tallies in the meeting record for these items; votes were taken by voice and reflected in the minutes as carried or tabled. Council staff said items tabled will be brought back after the requested coordination and notice corrections.

The council cleared the remainder of its docket and adjourned at 7:45 p.m.