Concerns About Leaning Utility Pole Prompt Action in Charlotte, N.C.
In the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, a community concern has turned into a success story, thanks to the persistence of a local resident. Harry Grose, a daily traveler along Monroe Road, became increasingly worried about a utility pole that was clearly leaning dangerously, potentially endangering the safety of passersby.
Months of Worry
Grose first noticed the leaning pole back in June and promptly took a picture as he began his journey to rectify the situation. “It was just so precarious looking, and I knew that it needed attention,” he explained. Over the following months, he tried to contact several utility companies, including AT&T, Spectrum, and Duke Power, in hopes of getting someone to take action.
Despite his efforts, Grose said he received little more than assurances that someone would be sent out to take a look. “I’ve called them multiple times and even had someone come out to my house from Spectrum. But after he called his supervisor and supposedly went to check the site, I didn’t hear another word,” Grose shared.
A Leaning Threat
As time went on, the situation worsened. Grose took another photograph of the pole two months later, and he was alarmed to see it leaning even more. “It looked like the only thing holding it up were the power lines,” he remarked, expressing his growing concerns. By mid-September, videos taken of the pole showed it leaning alarmingly close to a nearby home.
“I don’t want anybody to get killed or hurt,” Grose said. “That was my main concern all along.” As the weeks passed, the anxiety in the community surrounding this pole only grew.
Finally, Action is Taken
After reaching out for help and raising awareness of the issue, he turned to the local media. As the story gained traction, Duke Energy was prompted to investigate. They confirmed that the leaning pole belonged to AT&T but had their cables and lights attached. Shortly after hearing from community advocates, Duke Energy crews went out to relocate their lines to a new pole.
In a significant turnaround just days later, AT&T dispatched a crew to replace the leaning pole altogether. “Thank goodness! It’s finally getting taken care of!” Grose said, relieved that his concerns were being addressed.
The Work is Not Done Yet
While this immediate issue has been resolved, Grose noted that there are still two other utility poles along the same stretch of Monroe Road that are leaning. “I’m worried they will eventually go the same way,” he said, sounding a bit exasperated. A spokesperson for AT&T has since assured the community that they are also working to replace these remaining poles.
A Community Success
In reflecting on the entire experience, Grose expressed gratitude for the help he received after turning to the media. “I’ve seen them on TV, and I was really hoping they could help get it done,” he said. “And they have! That makes me feel like at least someone’s listening.” It’s important for residents to know they have a voice and that their safety concerns can lead to action.
Get Involved
If you or someone you know has concerns you’d like to see addressed, consider reaching out to local resources. Community members can email their concerns to consumersolutions@wbtv.com. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods safe and informed!
