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Resident warns 15‑year Altice/Optimum franchise term is too long; board adjoins review to Nov. 19
Summary
At a public hearing on a proposed Altice/Optimum cable franchise renewal, the company outlined changes to gross‑revenue definitions and PEG funding; a resident urged shorter terms and stronger service/assignment protections, and the board adjourned the hearing to Nov. 19 so counsel can review written concerns.
Town staff presented highlights of a proposed franchise renewal with Cablevision of Westchester (operated by Altice/Optimum), including a broadened definition of gross revenue, a more expansive definition of "residential dwelling unit," provisions allowing up to five facility additions or relocations during the franchise term, and a longer recoverability period for fees the town believes are owed.
Frank Aliva, identified himself to the board as "Frank Aliva, I'm the senior director of government affairs for Optimum, also known as Altice" and gave a brief company overview, noting the town receives 5% of gross cable revenue ("That's the maximum allowable under the law") and that the company provides PEG (public, educational and government) channel support, which he described as about "65¢ per sub with a sliding scale" (speaker 8).
During public comment, a resident who the board identified as Eric pressed several technical and policy questions: he said the proposed 15‑year term was "too long" and "an absurdity" given rapid technology change, urged the board to ensure modems/DVRs or other devices and services are properly included in the gross‑revenue base, questioned whether the town is actually receiving the full 5% in practice, and asked whether assignment/transfer language would allow a change in ownership without renegotiation. He also urged stronger service requirements following disasters and noted FCC guidance that could raise PEG support toward $1 per subscriber.
The company representative said PSC (Public Service Commission) approval is required before a local agreement becomes effective and that the franchisee does not control municipal PEG arrangements; he said technician/proprietary subscriber data can't be publicly disclosed but can be handled through counsel or in executive session.
After discussion, the board voted to adjourn the public hearing to Nov. 19 and asked the resident to email his detailed concerns so the town attorney can address them. The adjournment will keep the hearing open while counsel reviews possible contract adjustments and written comments.
What to watch: The board left the record open until the Nov. 19 continuation so counsel can advise on whether to reopen negotiations or to proceed toward final approval pending PSC certification.
