Somerville Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - October 27, 2026

The Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Councilor Jesse Klingan, met on October 27, 2026, to discuss two main agenda items: enforcement of the city's vacant properties ordinance and the ongoing issue of double utility poles. Representatives from Eversource, Verizon, and multiple city departments participated, along with public testimony from a resident. The meeting lasted from approximately 1:45 PM to 7:59 PM (as per adjournment time).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting was laid on the table for approval at the end of the meeting. The minutes were later approved unanimously as part of the adjournment vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris DeWan, a resident of the city, provided testimony on double utility poles. He confirmed that the double poles at either end of his block—one of which had been doubled since 2015—were recently resolved following council attention. However, he criticized the process as relying on "particularly active residents" and expressed frustration that verbal assurances from utility representatives during council meetings often do not translate into action. He also noted that a wire rubbing against a tree near his home, previously reported to Eversource, was never fixed, leading to the tree's removal. He urged councilors to view company representatives’ statements with skepticism.

Discussion Items

1. Vacant Properties Ordinance Enforcement

• Director Kevin Klein (Inspectional Services) and Colin Ziegler (Health Department) provided an update. Klein noted that residential vacancies are fewer due to the hot housing market, while commercial vacancies are a larger concern. He mentioned a $50 registration fee and emphasized a helping approach rather than punitive. Ziegler detailed the Health Division's role in identifying and ticketing vacant or dilapidated properties, collaboration with the AG's Office on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (which has helped with contact information for property owners), and the challenges of staffing and definitions.
• Amanda Natron Williams (Director of Intergovernmental Affairs) added that staff are seeking clarity on the definition of "vacant" (e.g., whether vacant lots are included) and that commercial and residential properties require different approaches.
• Councilor Scott raised concerns that the ordinance (Section 11-11) has been on the books for over seven years but has not been actively enforced. He noted that the ordinance clearly defines vacancy (within 90 days) and allows inspectors access to properties—a tool that could help address rat infestations and structural hazards. He expressed frustration that the city relies on carrots (like OSPCD's spreadsheet) rather than sticks, and that many properties, such as a six-unit building on his block vacant for 15 years, remain unaddressed. He asked why the city is looking at Arlington's approach rather than using its own law.
• Councilor Klingan acknowledged turnover in ISD and the need for a systematic approach. Councilor Hart requested that the next discussion include the Strategy & Development team to cover both incentives and enforcement.
• The item was kept in committee for further discussion.

2. Utility Double Poles and Abandoned Wires

• Councilor Klingan introduced three related items: a resident's communication (Item #3), an order by Councilors Hart and Scott for city staff to report on monitoring progress (Item #4), and an order for utilities to appear (Item #5). Representatives from Eversource and Verizon attended; representatives from Comcast and Astound were not present despite invitations.
• Jason Wright (Eversource Community Relations) reported that Eversource uses the "ENGINE" system (National Joint Utility Notification System) to track double poles. As of mid-week prior, approximately 125 double poles existed in Somerville—down from a previous count of about 170. He explained that poles become doubled due to car accidents, upgrades, or end-of-life replacement. A new agreement with Verizon (about one year old) aims to improve efficiency: Eversource sets the new pole and transfers its facilities, then Verizon transfers its (lowest) attachments and pulls the old pole.
• Tatum Kelleher (Verizon Government Affairs) confirmed the agreement and noted that Verizon has an internal goal of moving its facilities within 30 days of becoming "next to go." She stated that there were currently no double poles in Verizon's queue in Somerville. She also noted that non-participating attachers (e.g., municipal fire or street light attachments not in the system) can cause delays.
• Brian Postlewaite (Director of Engineering) noted that his team coordinates with utilities on city construction projects and has found Eversource responsive when poles interfere with city work. Eric Weissman (DPW Commissioner) echoed that health and safety issues are addressed promptly.
• Councilor Hart and Councilor Scott asked specific questions. Hart noted that in the ENGINE system, Comcast and RCN/Astound appear as the largest "next to go" backlogs. Scott highlighted three poles (191-0, 191-1, and 358-47) that are leaning dangerously—near an elementary school and the MBTA right-of-way—and expressed that some have been in the system since 2023 but remain unresolved. He showed photos of leaning poles on Kent Street and criticized the lack of progress. Ronit Goldstein (Eversource) offered to follow up on specific poles and suggested a working group with quarterly meetings involving all utilities and the city.
• Councilor Klingan proposed the city pilot a plan to reduce the double pole count significantly. The representatives agreed to prioritize Somerville and provide updated lists.

Key Outcomes

• Vacant Properties Ordinance: Kept in committee. Future agenda will include the Strategy & Development team to address both commercial and residential approaches. Chair Klingan expressed hope for progress given new staff involvement.
• Double Poles:
  • Item #3 (public comment from Chris DeWan) was discharged as completed.
  • Items #4 and #5 were kept in committee for further discussion.
  • Eversource and Verizon agreed to provide updated ENGINE reports to the council (to be sent to publiccomments@somervillema.gov).
  • Councilor Scott requested that specific pole data be shared, and Verizon committed to investigating pole 358-47.
  • A working group may be established involving city staff, councilors, and all utility companies (including Comcast and Astound) to systematically address double poles.
  • Councilor Scott and Councilor Hart emphasized the need for measurable goals and accountability, especially given state legislative discussions (HB 5562) that may alter deadlines.
• Meeting adjournment: Motion to approve minutes and adjourn passed unanimously (Scott, Hart, Klingan all yes) at 7:59 PM.