§ 221-1. Preamble.

A. 

In order to maintain and enhance the architectural character, streetscapes and scenic views along the Town's roadways of which trees are an integral part, the Town hereby reiterates its established policy with regard to wires and cables along roadways: Since 1926 the Town has established policies for the placement of utility wires and cables underground. Underground utilities were first articulated in "The Preliminary Survey for a Town Plan for the Town of Barnstable," dated October 1926, and more recently in the "Local Comprehensive Plan" adopted by the Town Council October 1997 and approved by the Cape Cod Commission 1998. Policy 7.3.3 states that all new utilities shall be placed underground, and that all existing overhead utilities shall be phased underground.

B. 

All utilities should submit a program to the Town for phasing of utilities underground in order to prevent continued damage to the Town's trees by trimming, pruning and removals, and to prevent the constant occurrence of power outages.

C. 

Until such time as utilities are placed underground, bare wires should be replaced with aerial spacer cable systems or covered wires, in order to limit the amount of tree trimming and clearance, and maintain the viability of the Town's trees. Such systems will also provide the highest reliability of electrical service of any aboveground system available.

D. 

The utilities should submit a program to the Town for replacement of bare wires with covered conductors, and/or aerial spacer systems. The utilities and the Town should establish priorities for this program. In priority order, the Old Kings Highway (Rt. 6A), scenic roads, the Town center and village commercial centers are the Town's first priorities for such installation.