Community Watchdog: Old utility pole poses a risk

In March, a new utility pole was installed next to an old one that's unsupported and leaning about 30 degrees into the street. LIPA moved its lines to the new pole, but I've been calling Cablevision and Verizon to do the same without success. Their lines need to be transferred to the new pole and the old pole needs to be removed before someone gets hurt. The guy wire that was supporting the old pole is no longer secured and it's also a hazard.

- Glenn Gittelson, Merrick

You're welcome, Dr. Gittelson.

A crew was sent out ASAP to complete the job after we contacted Verizon spokesman John Bonomo. He told us that workers had been there a couple of weeks earlier, but Cablevision hadn't yet moved its lines to the new pole and that gummed up the project a bit.

After Cablevision transferred its wires to the new pole, Verizon was able to go in, move its lines and then take away the old pole. Generally, it has to happen in that order, Bonomo said: LIPA transfers its lines first, then Cablevision. Verizon goes last because LIPA or Verizon can remove the poles, he said.

Verizon went the extra step and repositioned its wire from a neighbor's home so it wouldn't run diagonally across Dr. Gittelson's lawn and driveway. The Merrick dentist complimented the Verizon crew and said it was a good thing they got there when they did.

"The old pole had snapped below ground," he said. "Everything looks great now."

Anyone with problems regarding Verizon can call 1-800-VERIZON.

In search of 3-way stop sign

St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Wading River is at the T intersection of North Country and Remsen roads. The intersection is at the bottom of a winding hill where cars pick up speed and trees block the driver's view. Parishioners park in the street and one parking lot is located across from the church, which means they have to cross North Country. It's dangerous and also difficult for anyone trying to make a left onto North Country from Remsen with cars lining the road. To make the area safer, the T intersection should be a three-way stop.

- Jodi Dimpflmaier, Wading River

Some safety measures will be implemented, Mrs. Dimpflmaier, but not the stop signs you wanted.

Based on the petition with 300 signatures submitted to authorities about the problem, Riverhead Chief of Police David J. Hegermiller said the Town of Riverhead will be installing "Stop for Pedestrian" signs at the North Country Road crosswalk by the church's parking lot to increase safety.

For northbound drivers, an orange traffic barrel will be placed in the center of the road during weekend church services, he said. The upgrades should be in place shortly. "This is a first step to see if we can solve the problem," Hegermiller said.

Stop signs, Hegermiller said, "are not meant to be used to impede traffic or reduce speeding." They're meant to assign right-of-way, he said.

Riverhead residents with concerns about speeding or other traffic violations can contact the police at 631-727-4500.

- MICHAEL R. EBERT

Heavy traffic puts students at risk

My neighbors and I have been in contact with Nassau police and the Town of Hempstead to have a stop sign erected on Floral Park Road at Sunny Lane in Franklin Square. There's heavy traffic and students from H. Frank Carey High School and Washington Street Elementary School up and down this block. We need stop signs to slow down traffic. Someone is going to get hurt or killed.

- Dina Clifford, Franklin Square

The town's Traffic Control Division is sending workers, once again, to evaluate traffic patterns at that T intersection. When the study is done, the town will consult with the Fifth Precinct to see if a stop sign or other traffic control device is needed, town spokesman Michael Deery said.

The intersection is quite familiar to the town. This will be the fifth traffic study there since 2003, including one done at the request of the Fifth Precinct based on resident complaints, Deery said. In the past 10 years, there has been one accident recorded there, he said.

"Notwithstanding, we want to take every measure and precaution possible, so we're taking another look," he said, adding that stop signs designate right of way for drivers and are not speed-reducing tools.

Meanwhile, the Fifth Precinct increased patrols on the road at the town's request. In an e-mail Clifford stated she has seen the police stop a few cars and issue tickets.

Residents with traffic sign questions on town roads can call the highway department at 516-489-5000.

- MICHAEL R. EBERT