South Whitehall board authorizes advertising of Verizon cable franchise; Project Atlas set for July 9 planning review

The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners unanimously authorized advertising an ordinance that would allow Verizon Pennsylvania LLC to provide cable television services over its fiber-to-the-premises network in the township.

Township manager Tom Petrrui told the board the proposed franchise would run five years, include a 5% franchise fee on gross cable revenues paid quarterly, give the township audit and review rights, incorporate customer-service standards consistent with applicable FCC requirements, and offer public, educational and governmental (PEG) access opportunities. "The term would be for five years. 5% would be for the franchise fee," Petrrui said as he summarized the agreement's key provisions. The board moved to advertise the ordinance and the motion passed 5–0.

The hearing also included public comment about Project Atlas. Resident Ryan Ununice asked whether the applicant deadline remained July 31 and requested clearer public notice. Petrrui said the township had granted a written extension to August 31 and that the planning commission will review Atlas materials at its July 9 meeting at Springhouse Middle School. "The deadline has been extended to August 31st per written time extension," Petrrui said. He added that no new materials would be reviewed at the July 9 planning commission meeting; the commission will review the original May submission materials.

Why it matters: Advertising the ordinance is the procedural first step before the board can adopt a franchise and approve a franchise agreement; franchise fees and customer-service commitments can affect township revenue and oversight of cable service quality. The planning commission review and the August submission deadline are key dates for residents and the applicant if Project Atlas proceeds.

What’s next: The ordinance will be advertised per municipal procedure; further public notice will follow if the board moves to adopt the franchise agreement. Project Atlas will appear before the planning commission on July 9 at Springhouse Middle School; the township said the July 9 meeting will be in person without a virtual option.