Clarkstown Pushes For Removal Of Double Utility Poles

Clarkstown is moving forward with its “Operation Double Wood” program to get utilities to remove double utility poles.  After a survey showed 450 locations of double utility poles, the town board implemented a new fine structure in April.  Supervisor Alex Gromack and other town officials gathered Wednesday to say that the utilities have started removing the often-dangerous poles but they intend to keep up the pressure. 

Standing in front of a Double Wood example at Congers Lake Memorial Park, Gromack described the poles as a “blight on our landscape.” He said town officials have been meeting with representatives of Orange & Rockland, Verizon and Cablevision who have agreed to remove at least 25 of the unsightly poles each month.

Deputy Town Attorney Jeff Millman described the new procedures the town put into place.  Utilities must take out a road-opening permit when they want to install a new pole in the town right of way. The permit costs $175 and starts a 90-day countdown for the original pole to be removed.

Millman said if the older pole is not taken down in time, then a $1,000 fine will be imposed and would be levied for each following 30-day period until removal. Millman said the cost of the fine is equivalent to the expense of removing a pole.

Repeat offenses could result in higher penalties. The town is also requiring the utilities to file for permits for locations where they did not apply for it previously.

Highway Superintendent Wayne Ballard said, “We’re not looking to be punitive we’re looking for absolute voluntary compliance.”

He asked residents to contact the highway department with information about Double Wood locations.

So far, officials are pleased with the utilities’ response.

“They made the commitment now we need to see them act,” said Millman. 

Gromack noted Double Wood is not only unattractive but dangerous because they can make it difficult for drivers to have a clear view of the road and in some places they are in the middle of sidewalks or held upright by rope.

Councilman George Hoehmann said, “This a quality of life issue.”