All around Sloatsburg new 45 foot power poles have been planted in the ground by Orange and Rockland. The poles are part of a continuing O&R’s distribution line upgrade project that has involved right-of-way tree cutting along lines, new power poles and upgraded wire.

Thirau, an electrical services company and part of CVTech Group and an O&R subcontractor, has been moving throughout the village this summer digging new holes and putting up the higher power poles.

When new power poles go up, the old poles will be removed as well, at least that is the goal. The new and old power poles were topics of discussion at a late August Village of Sloatsburg board meeting. O&R both leases and shares pole space with Verizon, and Verizon is “dragging its feet” on the removal of old power poles said Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright. To date, 13 of the smaller, old power poles are targeted for removal: 5 have been completed, with another 8 in the cue.

Just Call Verizon

Residents can help the effort of old power pole removals by calling Verizon to request the removal of any old, unused service pole in their neighborhood. Call Verizon and ask for the poles to be removed. Pause and repeat. The village will also continue its effort to get the older poles removed and is working with O&R on the process.

Clarkstown initiated a strategy of fining both O&R and Verizon when faced with a proliferation of double utility poles. Rather than wait for voluntary compliance, the town began an agressive effort to impose fines if the companies failed to remove older poles.

The electrical work throughout Pine Grove Lakes, and Sloatsburg, will continue after new poles are in place. Tree crews will move through and trim away from the new higher lines. Residents should be aware that the tree service company, most likely Lewis Tree, may request permission from homeowners to work on the properties.

This could be an opportunity to get a few tree branches trimmed back for the winter.