Fiber Firm Backs Off Darien For Now: City

DARIEN, IL – A fiber optic company has stepped back from Darien, at least for the time being, a city official said this week.

Earlier this year, the City Council heard presentations from two companies – Metronet and Lumos – that planned projects in town.

Metronet wanted to bury fiber optic lines in backyard utility easements, while Lumos was to go through front-yard rights-of-way.

In the summer, Metronet started its citywide project, while Lumos did not.

"It's my understanding that Lumos has now basically stepped back and is not currently on the schedule to come to town," Dan Gombac, the city's top public works official, told the council. "I'm not sure what that means exactly, whether it's something to do with overbuilding. But there's no more information as of a couple of weeks ago."

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said residents in her ward have contacted her with concerns about Metronet's efforts to restore landscaping.

She said it sounded like Metronet's project manager had helped them. In some cases, she said, the company has gone with sod if the seed-and-straw method fails.

Gombac said he was happy with Metronet's protocols, praising the project manager, Scott Carl.

"He has been very accommodating, meeting residents and calling residents in regard to restoration that has not taken yet," Gombac said.