Athol board reviews double utility pole increase

ATHOL – The ongoing issue of double utility poles went before the Selectboard at its meeting on Nov. 18, as the number of these in town has begun to increase.

During Selectboard member Bill Chiasson’s first term in 2019, he argued that the poles were unsightly, presented a safety hazard and caused damage to town property. Working with National Grid and Verizon, the town was able to reduce the number of double poles, though it appears more have been set up.

Athol Public Works Director Dick Kilhart and Environmental Compliance Manager Jennifer Shaw told the board the number of double poles is back in the triple digits. Kilhart told the board that when he and Shaw first started addressing the problem there were approximately 300 double poles along Athol streets.

“We got that down to about, I’m guessing, about 32 or so. Then, of course, National Grid did one of their upgrade projects on South Athol Road and some surrounding hills and they added another 40 or 50 there.”

Utility work in other section of towns, said Kilhart, has increased the number of double poles to more than 100.

“I would just remind the board that ultimately you have control,” Kilhart said. “We’ve been here in front of you before for a number of years when National Grid and Verizon come before you for a joint pole application.”

If one or both of the utilities fail to send a representative to answer questions from the board, Kilhart said, “We, the DPW, would recommend that you don’t approve it, because it’s not until you force their hand that things get done.”

Kilhart noted that even if the board approves a pole for a specific location, there’s no guarantee the utility will add it on the spot specified.

“For example, Ridge Avenue; you approved for that location (near the Salvation Army) a couple of weeks ago and they didn’t put a pole there. They put two below the Salvation Army – not where it was supposed to go. So, they sometimes do what they want to do, not what they’re permitted to do.”

Shaw pointed out that state law requires the removal of double poles within 90 days of installation. She added that utilities can add a pole without municipal approval if it’s within three feet of the existing one.

Shaw suggested the board “hold their feet to the fire and say, ‘Hey, we’ll approve this one pole, but you have to remove 10 double poles. Something has to be done.”

Board Chair Rebecca Bielecki suggested that appropriate National Grid and Verizon officials be brought before the board to hear these concerns.

“These things can obstruct ADA access, they can obstruct driveways – which I’ve seen them do in the past – they could potentially obstruct safety equipment like fire engines and obstruct the brand-new pour of sidewalks.”

Town Manager Shaun Suhoski said he would work with Town Counsel John Barrett to determine under what circumstances the town can refuse the placement of utility poles. In addition, he said, he would be in contact with the town’s state legislative delegation.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.