After a Google Fiber crew hit a gas main on Friday, Dec. 13 near Montgomery Elementary School on Ashford Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven has ordered issued a citywide stop work order.
The incident is the latest in a string of issues caused by the installation of underground cable across Brookhaven, which impacts more than 10,000 residential properties. Google Fiber has completed about 30% of the installation.
This year, nearly 100 residents have filed complaints about Google Fiber in the city’s online service request system, Brookhaven Connect. Residents say the utility giant has broken sidewalks, burst water mains, destroyed landscaping, and more.
The suspension of work will allow officials to assess means and methods to ensure public safety, and ensure that unnecessary impacts to residents are avoided, the city said.
“Utilities of the magnitude of Google Fiber, Atlanta Gas, and DeKalb Watershed Management have vast resources of staff and finance to affect the delivery of these critical services to residents. It’s disturbing that Brookhaven that must step up to get all the players working together,” said City Council member Madeleine Simmons.
City Council member Jennifer Owens said a local municipality such as Brookhaven is limited in the action it can take against utilities.
“In terms of public safety, we have to take a stand. Google Fiber still has a lot more work to finish in Brookhaven and we have to pause and ensure better safety before we proceed any further,” Owens said.
The health and safety of residents come first, in particular when dealing with young children, said City Council member Michael Diaz.