National Grid seeks new poles in Fall River to improve reliability; one resident files objection

National Grid representatives told the council they are proposing several jointly owned pole installations across Fall River as part of a project to add reliability devices to feeders. Aaron Roy (National Grid) said the devices (reclosers) require space not available on some existing congested poles, so mid-span poles are being requested at selected locations to avoid adding equipment to already crowded utility structures.

National Grid said each proposed pole location is sited to minimize driveway interference and that permits include restrictions (for example, that the pole not impede driveways). The company described the work as part of a citywide reliability program intended to reduce the frequency and length of outages.

A written objection from a Locust Street resident was filed and entered into the record: the resident cited property-rights concerns and potential obstruction of the public way/sidewalk. Councilors and National Grid representatives discussed whether alternate placements were possible and agreed to route the objection to the appropriate department for follow-up. No final council denial or approval vote on that specific petition was recorded during the hearing; the hearing process continued with standard public-notice procedures.

Next steps: National Grid representatives said staff can consider alternate pole placements in response to abutter concerns; the council directed that objections be acknowledged and, where necessary, referred to public-works staff for examination.