Community Corner

Is There a Double Pole In Your Neighborhood?

Double poles are supposed to be removed within 90 days.

 

When a utility pole is compromised, companies often stabilize it by putting another pole right beside it. That is supposed to be a temporary fix but often is not.

By law, a "double pole" is supposed to be removed within 90 days, however, there is no penalty to the utility company if it is not. 

Find out what's happening in Medfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

House Bill 2944, the latest version of "An Act 
Relative to Double Poles" filed in January, is sitting on Beacon Hill. The bill asks for a report from the utility companies regarding the status of the removal of double poles since a similar report was made in 2003. 

The bill also asks for the creation of a Double Pole Remediation Council which will recommend an action plan to reduce the number of double poles and will also establish penalties and escalating fines to be imposed for infractions. 

Find out what's happening in Medfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Town officials say some version of this bill has been making its way through the legislature for 30 years. 

This week, the Medfield Board of Selectmen voted to send a letter of support to the town's state representatives regarding the bill after reading in The Beacon, the newsletter of the Massachusetts Municipal Association which also supports the bill, about an upcoming hearing on the issue. 

Many say the poles are unsightly and dangerous because they block the view of drivers and create hazards for pedestrians if a pole blocks or crowds a sidewalk.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are double poles unsightly? Do they pose a public hazard? Do you have one in your neighborhood? Tell us about it the comment section below and we will add it to the list being compiled by Medfield Selectman Richard DeSorgher, he has more than 100 so far. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here