When we arrived home on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at approximately 3:00PM, we discovered 3-4 men digging in multiple spots on our property. I approached the men and asked what was happening, who was in charge, and who were they working for. Their English was limited but they were able to reply, “Verizon.”
At no time did anyone from Verizon give us notice of the work being performed on our property. This is disrespectful to say the least!
After a closer look, holes were dug on both sides of our driveway to run a wire or pipe under the driveway. As a result, there is now a crack from one side of our driveway to the other. Additionally, a trench about two feet in from the sidewalk to a Verizon utility box was dug as well. Our lawn was destroyed during this process. The holes and the trench are not properly covered and are unsafe should they be walked on. Another black cable remains exposed along our property with limited markings for the safety of my family, visitors, and community walkers!
As of result of Verizon's total disregard and disrespect to our property, we demand the inspection, and repair/replacement of our lawn and driveway. Destroying and disrespecting personal property, our personal property will not be accepted or tolerated. We await your response and the resolution of this matter immediately.
If you, your local government or the previous owner signed an Easement Agreement with Verizon, Verizon generally has the right of way and may have the ability to exercise eminent domain.
The Easement Agreement should detail how to file a claim or seek due compensations for the alleged damages.
Thank you! We are the original owners and have never signed an Easement Agreement with Verizon.
"Original owners" as the original owners since the incorporation of your village/town/city?
Does your city have franchise agreements with Verizon, or the predecessors of Verizon?
An Easement Agreement is generally perpetual, proactive, and appurtenant. This means (1) Verizon automatically assumes the rights of the easement if the agreement was originally entered with one of Verizon's predecessors, such as Bell Atlantic, GTE, MSI Communications, and so on. (2) Current owners of the property need to honor the agreements signed by the previous property owners, even if the current owners find the terms of the original agreements unfavorable. (3) A municipal authority, a Home Owners Association, or other competent local government entities can enter easement agreements with Verizon, even if the property owners in the said jurisdiction finds the terms of the easement objectionable.
So what town are you? I may be able to locate the easement document as it is public notarized at the time of signing.
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