**Brookfield Select Board Announces Public Hearing on Pole and Wire Installations**
BROOKFIELD – In a move to address the utility needs of the community, the Brookfield Board of Selectmen has issued an official notice for a Public Hearing concerning a joint petition from NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND. This hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, and will take place in the Banquet Room at the Town Hall located at 6 Central Street.
The primary subject of this hearing pertains to a request from both NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for the placement of utility poles, wires, and their corresponding fixtures along Webber Rd. The proposed infrastructure plan includes the installation of three JO Poles starting approximately 2,000 feet west from the intersection of Webber Rd and Regional Schoolhouse Rd, covering a stretch of about 671 feet westward.
Details of the installation are comprehensive, involving two new 35/3 Poles (#36 and #37), one new 40/2 Pole (#38), the introduction of 471’ of new 1/0 primary and secondary connections from Poles 35 to 38, as well as the positioning of an anchor, a guy, and a 25kVA transformer on Pole #38. The exact location of these installations aligns closely with the plan designated as “Webber Rd – Brookfield — Massachusetts” dated August 22, 2023, with reference No.# 30761716.
In addition to the above, permission is also sought to incorporate underground laterals, cables, and wires in the given or intersecting public ways. These provisions aim to enable connections between the proposed poles, existing infrastructure, and any relevant buildings. Notably, an agreement has been reached to earmark space on each pole for a cross-arm, which will cater exclusively to municipal utilities such as fire, police, telephone, and telegraph signal wires.
The Board of Selectmen is reaching out to all Brookfield residents and stakeholders, inviting them to voice their thoughts, concerns, or support on this matter. Interested parties can submit their comments in written form or express them verbally during the hearing on October 19.
This hearing promises to be an essential platform for deliberation and decision-making regarding the utility infrastructure of Brookfield. All residents are encouraged to participate and stay informed on the developments that shape their community.