The North Hempstead town board on Tuesday will hold a public hearing on a proposed law to require utilities to remove decommissioned utility poles – also known as “double-poles” – from its roadways.
The proposed law would give a utility company applying to install a new pole 60 days to remove the old pole, or else pay a $500 fine.
Officials at the board’s June 24 meeting – during which council members set the upcoming hearing – said the legislation would pressure PSEG Long Island to uphold its promise of exploring ways of moving underground a series of utility poles in Great Neck, Manhasset and Port Washington that have been a source of complaints for North Hempstead residents.
“We want to make sure PSEG is true to their word that these double-poles are removed,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said.
“Double-poles” tend to 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, but council members said the poles are not swapped in a timely fashion.
Bosworth said this creates an eyesore as well as a public safety hazard.
“Often the original pole is cracked, split or damaged and this can cause a safety hazard,” she said. “The utility companies cannot drag their feet when it comes to removing the old poles within a reasonable amount of time.”
Reach reporter Bill San Antonio by e-mail at bsanantonio@theislandnow.net, by phone at 516.307.1045 x215 or on Twitter @b_sanantonio. Also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow.