The issue of right of way came before the Adams County Commissioners Tuesday as several local farmers questioned the right of utility companies to install lines along their properties. A major broadband internet system is being installed by the Zayo company between Chicago and Columbus to serve companies like Verizon and other major internet providers. The lines are coming through portions of Adams County, even though Zayo doesn’t do direct business at Adams County, but their customers do.
Several local farmers say Zayo needs to deal with them directly to get permission to do such work on the landowner’s property. Meanwhile, local government officials say prior right of way agreements over utility installation supersede that argument. Adams County Commissioners President Steve Bailey says it’s a fine line that needs to be studied further, but for now the local officials can do nothing on the issue…
The farmers say they intend to pursue the matter further, including possibly taking the matter to court. In the meantime, the installation of the new broadband lines continues through Adams County.
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