ATHOL — Though residents on South Royalston Road have been waiting the longest, selectmen recently voted to “wire up” six homes on Williamsville Road to provide cable access there, saying there is more potential for growth along that road.
Town officials estimate, based on the time it took to get new cable facilities installed on Altman Drive, the installation process will take about a year.
Selectwoman Kim Pratt said, “Williamsville Road is the path of least resistance,” and Selectmen Terry Dymek and Chairman John Telepciak agreed.
Chuck Kolbenson of the Cable Advisory Committee said the Franchise Fee Fund stands at $51,000 and is growing at about $15,000 per year. The May 2019 balance is expected to be about $65,000.
There are 10 residents on South Royalston Road (two have expressed interest); six residents on Williamsville Road (two have expressed interest; there are two new houses and plots for two more). There is also one resident on Colony Road and a new resident on Templeton Road interested in cable service.
Kolbenson said there is not enough money in the fund to wire up both South Royalston and Williamsville roads.
“No matter what choice you make, the other will have to wait five years,” he said.
The Franchise Fee Funds are generated from taxpayers’ cable bills. Estimates were obtained in 2016: Charter provided a ballpark estimate of $65,520 on South Royalston Road for 10 residents (two have come forward); Comcast gave a detailed estimate of $94,748. For Williamsville Road (10 residents, two indicated interest), Comcast estimated $62,844.
Kolbenson was thanked for his years on the Cable Advisory Committee.
Tim Haley was appointed to the Conservation Commission.
Linda Ellis was appointed as clerk and as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Cody Smith was appointed the Queen Lake Beach Keeper.