DPW held a hearing on the New Draft DPW Order called for by Ordinance that outlines the permitting process to install Surface Mounted Facilities (utility boxes). We appreciate the Department’s efforts to improve DPW Order 175566, and we’ve come a long way – we are very concerned that the new Order fails to meet the spirit of the Ordinance in the following ways:

Still pits neighbor against neighbor,
Allows utility applicants to provide inaccurate information,
Limits public engagement, and
Does not adequately address the installation and maintenance of murals.

Following the Public Hearing on August 18th, where several members of the public expressed concern about the lack of notice, new changes to the process of protesting among other concerns- the Hearing Officer has extended the public comment period by 2 weeks in order to receive additional comments.

We all know that the previous Order had problems which led to lawsuits, protests, and appeals. We are working to ensure that this new Order codifies the spirit of the Ordinance and helps to incorporate past lessons going forward. With 500+ remaining AT&T utility boxes, and potentially 200+ for Sonic, and innumerable others internet/cable TV providers. It is critical we get it right this time.