Double Cable Poles Pose Persistent Issue in Smithtown and Suffolk County

Cover credit – Google Street View

Double cable poles have become a significant concern throughout Suffolk County, posing both safety hazards and aesthetic issues. These poles, often found clustered together, present a danger, particularly in car accidents, and detract from the visual appeal of neighborhoods. The complexity of ownership and maintenance further complicates the problem, making it difficult to address in a timely manner.

Double poles occur when a new utility pole is installed next to an old one, but the transfer of all utility lines is not completed promptly. While the electric wires might be moved to the new pole, the cable and telephone wires often remain on the old pole, creating a scenario where both poles are left standing. This can lead to multiple poles, sometimes even triple or quadruple, standing together for extended periods.

These poles not only clutter the landscape but also present significant safety risks. In the event of a car accident, double poles can increase the likelihood of serious damage and injury. Moreover, they can obstruct sidewalks and other public spaces, contributing to accessibility issues.

The ownership of these poles is distributed among various companies, including electric, cable, telephone and other third-party providers. This fragmentation makes monitoring and managing the poles challenging. After the electric lines are transferred to the new pole, the cable and telephone companies each need to rewire their lines separately. This process can be prolonged, as regulations on the timeliness of these transfers are not consistently enforced.

Residents have long voiced their frustrations over these delays. Kings Park and Smithtown, particularly along Main Street, has seen numerous complaints about the persistent presence of double poles. Similar issues are reported across other municipalities in Suffolk County.

Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) and New York State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) have been at the forefront of addressing this issue. They encourage residents to report sightings of double, triple, or even quadruple poles to their offices, providing specific locations. Once notified, their offices can contact the National Joint Utility Notification System (NJUNS). NJUNS, in turn, notifies the appropriate third-party owner responsible for completing the wire transfers and removing the old poles.

Senator Mattera emphasized the importance of community involvement in resolving this issue.

“The double-poles throughout the region are not only an eyesore, but they also have the potential to be dangerous to our drivers and I will continue working with all stakeholders to rid our community of these troubling issues,” said Mattera. My office is coordinating with Legislator Leslie Kennedy’s office and Town of Smithtown officials to find and help expedite the removal of these nuisances. While this process is understandably timely, we are working together to ensure that all the connected wires are moved as quickly as possible so that the poles can be removed.”

Legislator Kennedy added, “Double poles have been a consistent, dangerous problem and passing through the Senator’s office and my office should lead to more responsive actions.”

When speaking with Town of Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown), he relayed that they have been addressing this issue as well and are in contact with the utility companies.

“We’ve been working with residents, the Department of Traffic Safety, and the Department of Public Safety to rectify the problem and move other utilities off the old poles and to the new ones,” Lohmann told The Messenger. “We are the only town in Suffolk County that has legislation to deal with double poles and if this is not addressed within ninety days, then they are subjected to a $250 fine per violation.”

While the challenge of managing double poles is significant, the combined efforts of local legislators, state agencies, and the community provide a path forward. Increased awareness and reporting specific locations of multiple poles by residents will play a vital role in addressing the issue.

Residents are encouraged to contact Legislator Leslie Kennedy’s office at (631) 854-3735 or Senator Mario Mattera’s office at (631) 361-2154 with specific locations of double poles to facilitate quicker resolutions.