Decayed utility pole a backyard risk

We purchased our home seven years ago from an estate. The backyard was extremely overgrown with bushes and trees, so we didn't realize there was a decaying utility pole almost in the middle of the backyard. The wires were tangled in branches and were hanging so low we couldn't safely walk through the yard to get to our garage. At one point the guy wires that support the pole were loose and finally, someone came to fix them, but that spread them further into the yard. I learned it's a Verizon pole and I have been calling the company, speaking to some of the most rude and unhelpful people. It's a dangerous situation for our young son and we're desperate to find the owner of the pole and get it moved away from our property and into the adjacent park property like the rest of the neighborhood.

-- Christine Shepard, Bethpage

Most often, when we contact Verizon spokesman John Bonomo, the problem gets fixed by work crews before we have a chance to call back and check on the progress.

This problem took a bit more time because, among other things, a surveyor had to be called in to determine whether the pole could be moved away from the yard.

Enter David Keller, local manager/line construction, for Verizon. He tackled the problem, getting workers to shift the pole farther back by the property line, within Verizon's easement.

A grateful Shepard praised Keller, saying that he made an extra effort to let her know that the job would be done as much to her satisfaction as possible and notified her whenever workers were scheduled to work in the yard. Keller even gave her his cellphone number in case she had questions or concerns about the project.

Pleased with the results, she said, "It's exactly what I asked for."

Anyone with problems involving Verizon should call 800-VERIZON (800-837-4966).

Safety upgrades in Smithtown

The results of a traffic study at a residential intersection conducted after we called the Town of Smithtown will get some safety upgrades soon, but not the stop signs or traffic signal our reader requested.

Vicki Ruther of Kings Park contacted us about the intersection of Birch and St. Johnland roads, saying it was difficult for drivers to make a left turn from Birch onto St. Johnland because of traffic and restricted sight lines. We wrote about her "very scary" concerns in January.

It took six months, but traffic safety director Mitch Crowley said an "edge line" will be painted on St. Johnland to prevent motorists from drifting to the road's edge.

"It pushes traffic to go where we want it to go and keeps it to the center of the road," he said, which would improve safety for drivers trying to merge onto St. Johnland Road from the cross streets.

Town workers also will trim foliage in spots on St. Johnland that is obstructing drivers' views. The work should be done by the end of the month, he said.

Crowley said traffic volume at the intersection didn't meet Federal Highway Administration guidelines for the type of traffic controls Ruther wanted.

Smithtown residents with traffic safety concerns on town roads should call 631-360-7635.

-- MICHAEL R. EBERT

Center Moriches' dangerous crossing

There is no safe way for pedestrians to get across Frowein Road (County Road 98) at Railroad Avenue in Center Moriches. The northeast and southeast corners are blind. I have two young girls and we're unable to walk to the library and nearby stores. I have contacted Suffolk County's Department of Public Works, but nothing has been done. Is there any way to get a crosswalk?

-- Lisa Marrin, Center Moriches

There's good news, Mrs. Marrin.

County officials said the intersection is slated for a complete overhaul this summer, including installation of crosswalks, sidewalks and curbs, dedicated left-turn lanes for cars, and left-turn arrows that should make crossing the street safer. The work should be done before school starts in September.

You weren't the only reader to contact us about this problem, Mrs. Marrin. And the Town of Brookhaven was aware of the problem. Councilman Dan Panico said the town started pressing Suffolk County officials for the new measures a year ago. "The changes will make the intersection safer for everyone," he said.

Suffolk residents with traffic concerns involving county roads should call 631-852-4010.

-- MICHAEL R. EBERT