Frontier Communications is installing fiber optic lines throughout the neighborhood this summer, much like 123Net did in the summer of 2023.
Neither the City nor our HOA can stop these companies from installing the lines, nor do we have a say in where the equipment (most prominently the green boxes that sit on the lawn extensions and/or lawns) is placed. Here is what the City told us a few years ago when we asked them that question:
“This is appears to be a fiber splicing location. They’re common for most internet service providers and allow for repairs or additional locations to be added as needed. We don’t have much control over how many or where they are located as the City is bound by the Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Rights-Of-Way Oversight Act or “Metro Act” for short. I’ve attached a copy and highlighted some of the key points but essentially to help expand broadband access in local communities we (the City) can’t restrict or stop providers from using the right-of-way as the State of Michigan has ultimate authority over telecommunication activities.”
In June 2025 DPW Director Zach Haapala told us this:
“1.) Frontier did submit Right-of-Way permits for the work that is being done throughout the City, including the Northview sub and yes, there is a bond we will be holding until all restoration and repairs have been satisfied. Frontier should have provided door knockers, but if they did not the contact to send issues to would be:
(517) 265-3927
FTRQACentral@ftr.com
My contact has been Marcus Chaffin:
(248) 534-5952
Marcus.chaffin@kanaancomm.com
In addition, I welcome you and residents to email any outstanding issues and I will ensure to add them to our spreadsheet and ensure the contractor follows through with the repairs.
2.) The utility flags are only valid for 21 days, however if the work is nearing a property, I would urge residents to keep them in place as they identify the location of the underground utilities. Once any disturbed areas have been restored with top soil & seed, I would advise that it would then be an appropriate time to remove the flags.
3.) I completely understand the frustrations you and your fellow residents feel regarding the lack of communication. Unfortunately, we also did not receive a notification from Frontier regarding when they would be initializing their work in the neighborhood. Their permit has a 5 month window that work could have started in and we were told by Frontier that mailings would be provided 30 days prior, along with door knockers in the week leading up to the work commencing. The work that is occurring in the utility easements on the property side of the sidewalk is a tremendous disturbance to everyone and the responsibility was on the contractor to provide communication due to their expansive work throughout the entirety of the community.
I can assure you that Frontier and their sub-contractor Kannaan will not be allowed to leave the Northview neighborhood until all restoration and repairs have been satisfied. Again, I apologize for the delayed response and we will work tirelessly to track the areas of disturbance to ensure no property impacted falls through the cracks.”
If you have problems with the work on your property, email a photo and a brief description of the problem to Marcus Chaffin (his email address is above). Other contacts include Madeline Schiller (Saline DPW), at mschiller@salinemi.gov. Finally, Zach Haapala’s email address is zhaapala@salinemi.gov. You’re also welcome to reach out to the Board (bod@salinenorthview.org), and we’ll forward along your concerns/complaints.
