ALBANY –Assemblyman James
Skoufis (D, Woodbury) is the latest public official to urge companies
to get rid of zombie utility poles.
According to the state Public Service Commission, there are over 1,100 zombie poles – utility poles that remain standing, but are not in use – in Skoufis’ 99th Assembly District.
The lawmaker has met with officials of Central Hudson Gas and Electric
and Orange and Rockland, both of whom have committed to getting rid of
those poles. He said often times cable TV and telephone companies must
switch over their lines before zombie poles can be removed.
“The Hudson Valley is known for its environment and natural beauty,” Skoufis said. “Nobody wants to see a bunch of old, useless poles rotting by the side of road.” He said they can also pose a threat to public safety “as they grow older and more dilapidated.”
Cornwall Town Supervisor Richard Randazzo said his town continues to be blemished by zombie poles. His town has joined the effort to urge Central Hudson to get rid of those poles, in particular along Main Street.
Over a year ago, US Senator Charles Schumer came to Wallkill Town Hall to urge utility companies to take down those unused poles.
