North Hempstead town council members on Tuesday tabled a vote on a law requiring utility companies to remove decommissioned utility poles – also known as “double poles” – from roadways, saying they needed more time to consider the methodology of how poles would be removed and to add a provision warning residents of a toxic chemical found on the poles.
The law, which North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said mirrors legislation in Babylon and Brookhaven, would give companies 60 days upon notification to remove the poles or face an initial $500 fine and up to $1,000 on each subsequent day.
“There are so many double poles in our town,” Bosworth said. “With this law, we are showing utility companies the we’re standing up for our residents and making sure we do all we can.”
“Double-poles” occur when utility connections from damaged poles must be transferred to a new pole, or if a stronger pole is necessary in supporting heavier equipment.
Council members said the poles are not swapped in a timely fashion.
Bosworth said town officials have met with PSEG Long Island, Verizon and Cablevision to reach a compromise in taking down the poles, but representatives for the Communication Workers of America said the companies would not remove the poles unless legislation is implemented.
“I can only speak against Verizon on this, I don’t want to speak for Cablevision or PSEG,” said Tom Benedetto, the executive vice president of the Communication Workers of America’s local 1104 chapter, who represents Verizon workers. “But I can tell you that, knowing how we deal with Verizon every day, without a law, it’s not happening. Without the law, which you haven’t had, you see what’s out there right now.”
Bosworth said the law became necessary after PSEG Long Island put up several 80-foot utility poles in Great Neck, Manhasset and Port Washington that contained the Class 2B carcinogen pentachlorophenol and have become a source of complaints for residents.
She said the board would continue to amend the law to determine the level of responsibility involved in removing a double pole created by two utility companies.
A representative for PSEG Long Island submitted written comments to the board but did not publicize them during the meeting.
“The intent is to pass this legislation to protect our residents,” Town Councilman Angelo Ferrara (R-New Hyde Park) said. “If we don’t do it tonight, we will do it at the next meeting.”
