Cable installation causes concerns

Thursday, November 12, 2015 - 15:04

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Digging for Internet: Verizon digs underground in Westmere where it will run fiber optic cables to provide its Fios services. Residents expressed concern that the company was digging outside of the right-of-way and on private property, but Highway Superintendent Steve Oliver said this week it was well within its boundaries.
 

GUILDERLAND — Verizon is in the process of installing wiring in Westmere for its Fios — bundled Internet access, television, and telephone service that operates over a fiber-optic communications network.

On Tuesday, workers hit a gas line on Bentwood Court West as they dug alongside the road, in the town’s right-of-way.

Supervisor Kenneth Runion said this week that the town had granted Verizon a franchise agreement so that it could install utilities in the right-of-way.

Since the town does not have a contract with the company, it is not liable for any damage that Verizon might incur.

Residents expressed concern that the area in which Verizon would be digging — marked by orange flags — was outside of the right-of-way and encroaching on private property, but Runion said Highway Superintendent Steve Oliver double-checked the site on Tuesday and there were no violations.

“I think the right-of-way is much larger than people think it is,” said Runion.

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