Council grants National Grid petitions for manholes and pole relocation on Main and West Chester streets

The Brockton City Council granted two National Grid petitions following brief hearings on utility work in downtown Brockton.

At a hearing opened for Massachusetts Electric Company, National Grid representative Muhammad Jamus said the company needs to bring a new feed to a building at 142 North Main Street and must “tap off the primary from the manhole on Main Street and School Street,” requiring trenching across sidewalks and into a city plaza driveway. Jamus said the work is necessary so the building can have its own transformer. With no speakers in favor or opposition, that portion of the hearing was closed and the council approved the petition by hand vote.

At a separate hearing on West Chester Street, Jamus described the equipment involved and the difference between a “J pole,” which is jointly owned by National Grid and Verizon, and an “SO” pole owned solely by National Grid. He said the existing pole (No. 246) “doesn’t look to be in good condition” and that relocation to a new pole near P193 would correct the condition and improve siting. Council members asked for a brief explanation about joint ownership and the reason for relocating the pole; Jamus replied the changes were to improve safety and reliability. No one registered opposition; the council granted that petition as well.

Why it matters: The approvals allow National Grid to proceed with trenching and pole work that the company says are needed to serve customers and to address aging infrastructure in downtown Brockton. The hearings gave councilors a chance to ask technical questions about ownership of poles and the scope of the physical work.

What’s next: National Grid will move forward with the planned trenching and pole installation subject to standard permitting and construction requirements.

Speakers quoted: Muhammad Jamus, representative for National Grid.