March 25, 2026

Items Recommended for Full Council

Eversource Grant of Location, Line Street (62 Line Street) – Recommended 3-0

The committee recommended approval of Eversource's application to install 6 feet of conduit from utility pole 211/7 to 62 Line Street, conditioned on fixing a nearby double pole (211/6), pending review by the law department. This item had previously been tabled due to concerns about the double pole, raised by Councilor JT Scott. Chair Hardt reported she had contacted RCN, who confirmed they moved their lines off the pole, clearing the way for its removal. Eversource representative Jackie Duffy said she would send someone to verify the next day. Councilor Davis asked about the NJUNS database that tracks which utilities have lines on poles, and Duffy agreed to follow up through the clerk's office on whether the city can access that system. The committee voted separately on the condition and the item itself, both 3-0.

Eversource Grant of Location, Heath Street (16 Edgar Avenue) – Recommended 3-0

The committee recommended approval of Eversource's application to install 5 feet of conduit from utility pole 165/13 to 16 Edgar Avenue, conditioned on work not beginning before 8:30 AM. Chair Hardt explained she had pulled this item to committee because the work area is near the Healey Elementary School, where morning drop-off creates a choke point. She noted Edgar Avenue is already blocked by other utility work. Duffy agreed the timing restriction was workable. Councilor Davis suggested making the time restriction a formal condition so it would appear on the paperwork. Both the condition and the item passed 3-0.

Committee Discussion

The substantive discussion centered on two themes:

Double pole accountability: The committee explored how to hold utilities accountable for removing double poles. Councilor Davis asked about the NJUNS database — a shared system among utilities that tracks which companies have lines on each pole — and whether the city could access it directly. Duffy committed to finding out and reporting back through the clerk's office. Chair Hardt noted she had looked into access previously without success.

School-zone construction timing: Chair Hardt drew on her personal familiarity with the Healey School area to flag the morning congestion issue. She noted that afternoon dismissal is less of a problem because students leave at staggered times due to after-school programs.

What's Next

• Both Eversource grants go to the full council for final approval.

• Chair Hardt will check with the law department on whether the double-pole condition on the Line Street grant is legally appropriate, ahead of the next full council meeting.

• Eversource will report back through the clerk's office on whether the city can access the NJUNS utility database and will send someone to verify the status of double pole 211/6.