Crews are digging holes to install FiOS lines in Quince Orchard Park.
Currently, crews are digging holes for the fiber optic service in Quince Orchard Park (QOP).
Community Manager Ruchita Patel describes some of the FiOS restoration work in QOP as the “worse” she has ever seen. She said Verizon officials are scheduled to attend a September 14 QOP homeowner’s association meeting to answer questions and address concerns about the recent work.
Kevin Roman, Gaithersburg’s neighborhood services director, said he is also receiving complaints.
In addition to concerns from Patel, Roman has received complaints from residents on Summer Walk Drive, Elmira Lane and Highland Ridge Avenue in QOP.
He recently followed up on foot with Verizon officials.
“We walked the [QOP] area with Verizon and noted much of the restoration had been washed away from recent storms,” Roman said.
Roman issued Verizon a corrective notice to re-do the restoration.
Still, according to Roman, it is important for city residents to water the grass seed the contractor is placing on the ground as part of the restoration process. Roman said one QOP resident complained about the cost of watering the seeded area.
“Nothing I can do about it,” said Roman.
If Mother Nature doesn’t intervene with some rain or if the seed is washed away again, Roman said Verizon will have to revisit the area.
During the recent walk through, Roman also noted Verizon’s contractor had damaged a QOP street tree which is a violation of city code.
“I did issue them a citation for cutting the roots of a street tree,” he said.
Calling the $100 fine a mere “slap on the wrist,” Roman said it is the first fine he has issued Verizon since construction began in Gaithersburg almost a year ago.
If the tree dies, Roman said Verizon will have to replace it.
Although only one ticket has been issued, Roman said his department has issued approximately 60 corrective notices to Verizon for poor restoration work throughout the city. He has received complaints from residents in various neighborhoods, including Pheasant Run, West Riding, Westleigh, etc.
Once a corrective notice is issued, Roman said the company has 30 days to fix the noted area.
As for city residents, Roman said: “If they are not satisfied, they can call me.”
His number at City Hall is 301.258.6340.