BCAT News

As Verizon aims to bolster a tilted utility pole on Chestnut Ave., a conversation has exploded about the aesthetics of utility services across town.

In the third public hearing on the 33 Chestnut Ave utility pole, a representative for a Verizon contractor explained that, according to the company, the pole was leaning so far that it was a safety hazard, and the best solution was to put another pole across the street and connect a guide wire between them, preventing the first pole from leaning any further. 

Select Board Member Nick Priest said he’s been frustrated by utility companies putting in what he considered unsightly “Band-aids.” 

“What we’re finding across town is double poles that have been put up, cut so it’s joined at the top but only one pole going into the ground, guide wires, things of this nature that are becoming pervasive in the community, and one of the big things that I and this board look for is to insure that our infrastructure is as functional as it is aesthetic.” 

In previous meetings with representatives both of Verizon and a contractor, the Select Board asked for other options, potentially including replacing the leaning pole with a new, potentially stronger one. Contractor Rossana Ferrante said she’d take that idea back to Verizon, but it could be tricky: The pole holds wires for lots of different service providers, and getting approval to move every single one to a new pole could drag on for a long time, leaving a double pole in the meantime. 

“There may not be another option,” she said. 

BCAT is interested in hearing from Burlington residents on what you think on this issue. Are double poles or guide wires an issue in your neighborhood? Email us at bcat@bcattv.org and let us know.