Despite an announcement that Verizon would be curbing its expansion of FiOS services in Central New York, it will not affect the greater Baldwinsville area.
According to Van Buren Councilor Mary Frances Sabin, because a franchise agreement is already in place, Verizon would have to continue its build out in the towns of Van Buren and Lysander. This makes the municipalities two of the last communities to receive the high-speed fiber-optic network offering phone, Internet and TV services.
A public hearing regarding the franchise agreement was held last night during the Lysander board meeting. Both the village board and the town of Van Buren board were also present to answer questions from the public, as well as Verizon representatives. Topics of discussion included coverage areas, competitive costs and contributions to Baldwinsville public access channel, PAC-B TV.
After the public hearing closed, the town of Lysander voted in favor of the franchise agreement. Baldwinsville’s board plans to review and approve the agreement this Thursday during its regular board meeting. The town of Van Buren board is scheduled to review and approve the agreement during its April 20 meeting.
Should everything go as planned, the Public Service Commission will review the franchise agreement during its June 17 meeting. Verizon FiOS could feasibly be in households by late June.
