[MassHistPres] Verizon Temporary Generator

[Jonathan Feist]

Hi all,

Verizon owns a property in the Harvard Common Historical DIstrict. It  
has no driveway, and is very close to the street.

A year ago, they parked a temporary backup generator in front, on the  
street. It is the size of a small truck. Everyone hates it; it's a  
rare blight in an otherwise beautiful and untouched area.

In response to neighbors complaining about it for a year, they have  
applied to enclose it in a tall fence. This would look pretty bad, but  
better than the generator itself. A  similar fence is on the other  
side of the building to hide something else; this was approved by the  
HDC before my time.

The additional fence would really be a blight. The first fence is  
already pretty awkward looking, and we're looking at a second wrong to  
make a right.

Verizon says that there is no other possible place for the generator.  
The town has offered them a parking spot for it in another location,  
and they have declined. The planning board has approved the fence.

So, my question is, does the fence housing the generator make the  
generator itself a permanent "structure," and is there any leverage we  
might have to force them to get rid of the temporary generator?

The neighbors seem to want the fence, after being reconciled to the  
fact that the generator isn't going anywhere. Is it true that  
utilities can put their necessary gear where they please, without  
respecting local ordinances?

--Jonathan




================================
Jonathan Feist
jfeist at charter.net • 978-772-4864
Blog: Delights and Processes http://blogs.townonline.com/delight/
Writing about Music http://jonathanfeist.berkleemusicblogs.com/