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Verizon's 'muddy mess' angers local residents

BERNARDS TWP. – An ongoing digging project for Verizon Communications drew complaints from a resident at the Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 30...

Bob Draper, owner of a home on Commonwealth Drive in the Spring Ridge condominium development, told the committee that contractors who were laying lines along the street in early January broke a water line, flooding his front lawn; cut an electric line, knocking out street lights; cracked his driveway; and left "a muddy mess" for three weeks.

...other dig-related problems, including a loss of power on Deer Ridge Road, damage to an invisible dog fence and lawn sprinklers on Linden Drive, and complaints about door-to-door solicitations without a permit.

Mayor Mary Pavlini said the digging also caused a power outage on Woods End Road, and Committeeman John Malay said contractors created "a total mess" at Hickory Drive and Linden Drive while parking poorly lit equipment.

Committeewoman Carolyn Kelly suggested that Verizon officials – many of whom relocated last year to the former AT&T complex at 295 North Maple Ave. – report to the committee.

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