The City of Carmel has put the installation of MetroNet high speed internet fiber lines on hold.
Mayor Jim Brainard announced Aug. 30 that the city is suspending MetroNet’s right-of-way permit pending an investigation. This effectively stops new work by the private utility until the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission investigation requested by the City of Fishers is complete.
Carmel will also request the IURC investigate all utility cuts made by MetroNet in Carmel. The city will then re-evaluate MetroNet’s permit to determine what work may continue at that time.
After Vectren reported 14 gas line hits in Carmel by MetroNet in 2017, Brainard took this action because of the public safety risk posed to the general public. He also will be seeking damages for the costs incurred in responding to public safety calls caused by MetroNet’s negligence.
In recent years, the Indiana legislature has taken away cities’ rights to deny permission for privately-owned utilities to operate in cities’ right of ways.
“Our hands are tied when it comes to regulating these private utilities as they work in the right of way, but when that work poses a threat to public safety, we must take whatever action is available to ensure our citizens and businesses are kept from harm,” Brainard stated in a press release.
The city will permit restoration work to continue where yards, right of ways and landscaping has been disturbed. However, if that restoration requires any form of excavation, MetroNet will only be permitted to proceed with that excavation if a city inspector is on site.
The city is asking those with complaints about MetroNet to call the Carmel Dept. of Community Services at 317-571-2417.
*Source: City of Carmel
