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Village reviews draft law to require removal of redundant utility 'double poles' after work
Summary
Trustees reviewed a draft local law modeled on neighboring municipalities to require utility companies to remove temporary duplicate poles within a set timeframe, set penalties and require restoration of damaged sidewalks or streets. The board discussed enforcement costs and whether the law can be retroactive; staff counsel will draft the proposal.
Dobbs Ferry trustees discussed a proposed local law aimed at limiting permanent "double poles"—instances where a utility installs a new pole next to an old pole and leaves the old one in place.
A trustee introduced the item by describing models used in Ardsley and Ossining, where utilities must remove the second pole within a defined timeframe and the municipality can require removal and repairs. Trustees said a local law would give the village "teeth" to demand removal and to require sidewalk or street repair when companies leave duplicate poles in the public right-of-way.
A former corporation counsel in the meeting warned that the law could trigger costly civil actions if the board directed outside counsel to seek an injunction. He described injunction actions as a full civil process costing on the order of $10,000–$20,000, and said the law is most workable when the village issues notice and follows with repeated enforcement to accumulate new violations.
Trustees discussed administrative processes: the village would need notices to the utility and DPW coordination to evaluate each installation; one member noted the difficulty of tracking ownership because multiple carriers may use a single pole and records can be inconsistent. Trustees asked whether a joint utility database (used by other municipalities) could help and whether the law could be written to address pre-existing double poles or only future installations.
The board asked Lori Lee (the village attorney/staff identified in the discussion) what information she would need to draft a local law. Trustees agreed it is sensible to pursue a law that permits phased enforcement and to coordinate staffing for follow-up and notification work.
Next steps: Counsel will draft proposed local-law language for review; staff will investigate use of a joint utility notification/database and clarify enforcement resources and potential fee schedules.
