Malden Councilors Choose ‘Nuclear Option’ Amid Utility Pole Frustrations

MALDEN, MA — Frustrations over delayed work on certain utility poles in Malden prompted the Malden City Council to take what Council President Craig Spadafora described as “the nuclear option,” in talks with a National Grid representative last week.

National Grid was seeking approval for a utility pole project at the intersection of Elwell Street and Loomis Street. Rather than grant that approval, the council opted to table the matter, asking National Grid to come back to the city with plans to help phase out double and triple poles at various locations.

“That’s unfortunate, because we should be maintaining the system,” Spadafora said of the decision on Tuesday of last week. “It burns me up from the inside when we have to do this.”

Double and triple poles arise in situations where a replacement pole or replacement poles are built alongside an existing utility pole for the purpose of transferring utility infrastructure. These usually crop up in cases of old, damaged or otherwise outdated poles.

Extra poles stand across the state. In Malden, though, officials said they’ve grown concerned about delays in actually getting lines moved off old poles to allow those poles to be taken down.

These lingering poles can be an eyesore while also obstructing sidewalks, prompting accessibility issues, Spadafora said.

National Grid is not the only entity with equipment on utility poles in Malden. Other private companies and the city itself all have lines in various locations, with the city currently working to take down old hardline fire alarm wires that have since been phased out of use.

Councilors last week called for a better working relationship with National Grid, though, noting concerns dating back years.

“They only respond when we respond in the negative by not allowing you to move forward,” Councilor Chris Simonelli said. “It’s like playing chess, which is quite ridiculous.”

The City Council tabled National Grid’s utility pole request for the time being. Spadafora said the council will then consider approving it later this month if National Grid is able to come back with progress in helping Malden remove some of its double poles and at least one triple pole that Spadafora said has been standing for several years.

Patch has reached out to National Grid for comment on this matter.

In the meantime, the council is eyeing a new ordinance that would formally clarify steps for removing double poles. The council is scheduled to discuss that ordinance at a meeting on Tuesday of this week.