UPDATE A “cease and desist” order represents the latest salvo in the ongoing showdown between Verizon and the Gunnison Watershed School District. The Crested Butte, Colorado community has had an uneasy relationship with the telecom provider, the Crested Butte News reported.
Leslie Nichols, superintendent, informed the school board its legal team sent a letter to Verizon after it failed to obtain a needed permit.
Before construction can continue on the small cell buildout, Verizon must satisfy state certification requirements.
Expressing its dissatisfaction with the provider, the school’s letter noted that it was, “extremely disappointed in Verizon’s failure to perform under the Lease. Verizon’s construction of the Facility on the Premises has become extremely controversial within the School District community and Verizon has been largely uncooperative in the School District’s efforts to engage with the community on this issue. Verizon’s failure to secure a necessary permit has significantly eroded the School District’s trust in Verizon and will only add to the community’s concerns about the Facility.”
The “cease and desist” order gives Verizon 30 days to comply, with the deadline set at March 27. A failure to comply will be interpreted as follows: “Verizon shall be in default of the Lease and the School District shall proceed with all remedies available to it at law and under the Lease.”
Regarding an alternate location for the site, Nichols said no action is being taken at this time while the school system awaits Verizon’s reply.
March 4, 2019
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