VERIZON IS COMING! VERIZON IS COMING!
I told you in the past that we would keep you up to date on the Verizon contract. I am happy to report that we will hold a public hearing on May 29, 2008 at 7 PM. After the publc hearing, I will ask the Board for a resolution to approve the contract between the Village and Verizon.
Our lawyers and Verizon's staff spent many hours working together to ensure that our Village would have a contract that is equal to or better than the contract signed in other municipalities. After signing the agreement, Verizon will begin marketing their services to Village residents.
I understand all your concerns and I hope this message will ease your mind. I wanted to be sure that all the Verizon poles and equipment were updated and/or replaced. I am happy to report that 90% of the work has been completed. The only dangerous poles that remain are those that are owned by other utilities . You have my promise that I will continue to ensure the safety of all our Village roads and streets.
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MANORHAVEN & VERIZON CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE
We held a public hearing on February 27, 2008 regarding the franchise agreement between the Village and Verizon. Two residents spoke in favor and two against; the hearing was closed.
There is no question that the Village will approve the agreement when Verizon presents us with an agreement that has the same terms as they have agreed on with other Nassau County Villages. Our Village attorney has been negotiating with Verizon’s attorneys to give us a similar agreement but Verizon has not been forthcoming.
Verizon has placed full page ads in the local newspapers asking you to put pressure on the Board of Trustees for approval but until Verizon concedes that our Village deserves the same terms as the rest of the County, the agreement will not be signed. Please rest assured that we are doing everything we can on our end to make sure that we are getting the best agreement possible. Under Federal and State law, Verizon and Cablevision must compete on a level playing field. We will not allow Verizon to give our Village any less than Cablevision offers.
I will keep you informed of any changes as soon as they occur.
Mayor Nicholas B. Capozzi
