OCEAN COUNTY – County officials are tired of seeing potentially dangerous low-hanging and sagging telecommunication cables that pose a threat to pedestrians, bicyclists and even motorists and they are calling for action.
Joseph H. Vicari, Director of the Board of Commissioners recently addressed the problem during a half hour phone conversation with Bob Brabston, executive director of the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU).
“Some of these thick cables are hanging just four feet over the shoulder or the sidewalk. Someone, especially a child, could be seriously injured by these lines,” Vicari said.
Vicari also wrote to Governor Phil Murphy requesting that he take more direct and immediate action. “I am asking you to consider implementing an executive order that would require twice-yearly inspections and repairs, if necessary, of utility poles and lines throughout the state.”
Vicari said in the letter that while the wires are not energized electrical lines, they still pose a safety threat. “These companies need to be held responsible. They need to maintain their property just like any other business or homeowner.”
The official noted that due to the BPU being hamstrung by the cable deregulation laws passed nearly four decades ago, an executive order is needed. Vicari said such an order could begin with a trial effort in Ocean County.
“Ocean County has more than 618 miles of county roads and most of our infrastructure is above ground. We would make an ideal location to host a pilot program for this important effort,” Vicari added. He said he has been trying to combat this problem for more than a decade, and has personally taken photos of sagging lines throughout the county.
In Toms River, drooping and low-hanging cable on Windsor Avenue are close to several schools and the nearby youth sports complex. Vicari said, “we can’t wait for someone to be hurt. We need to act now.”
As the summer draws closer, Vicari noted the county’s population will increase from almost 700,000 to more than 1.3 million people, putting more individuals at risk from these cables.
“The power companies, the cable and phone companies – everyone says they are not responsible for the problem. Someone has to step forwards and solve this. Someone has to act,” he said.
