Dan's Papers - January 11, 2008 - No! No! No Overhead Power Lines Thru Water Mill

On Monday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Southampton Inn, Long Island Power Authority held its last public hearing concerning the validity of its Draft Environmental Impact Statement and its proposed Transmission Line and Substation Project. At issue was LIPA's proposal to install 60-foot metal power lines through the back roads of Water Mill and Bridgehampton.

It was a Who's Who of political figures present in the ballroom filled with 300 plus citizens, all opposed to the idea of not burying the power lines. After the meeting was called to order by Michael J. Deering, LIPA's vice president of environmental affairs, Senior LIPA consultant Philip Sears proposed that attendees fill out cards before speaking. The ground rules included that no response was to be given to any of the comments by LIPA, but that company officials could examine the record.

Along with Southampton trustees Nancy Graboski, Chris Nuzzi and Paul Robinson and Mayor Mark Epley was a chorus of voices saying that Southampton Town must win back the status of "lead agency" on this project through the courts in order to let the will of the people be heard. All the speakers were in favor of burying the lines. Suffolk County Councilman Jay Schneiderman asked, "How can the state spend hundreds of millions of dollars to protect the vistas of the south fork but allow LIPA to destroy it with no recourse?" Southampton's Mayor Mark Epley said, "LIPA should be congratulated for printing a document so confusing, giving neither the proposed route nor the proposed cost."

The numerous speakers, who were limited to 3 to 5 minutes, all discredited LIPA's Environmental Impact Statement by pointing out the flaws. It seemed illogical that the power company would not bury the lines and forward the cost to the consumers. Even New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele said that, although talks with LIPA were ongoing, resolution to the wants of the people should not be this difficult. One speaker even asked why all the political speakers were reduced to saying "please" to LIPA.

Nancy Lawless, a homeowner and real estate agent, said the value of the homes located around the 60-foot towers would be affected. "I have never had a potential buyer ask for a home situated next to a 60-foot power line tower." Steve Gorman, a Water Mill resident, was shocked when he saw the artist's depiction drawn to scale that was being passed around the ballroom. An angry summer homeowner who came out from New York City to attend the meeting suggested that it was all but criminal having this meeting on a Monday afternoon in early January. "If they had this meeting in July or August there would be thousands more at this meeting. Shame on you LIPA, shame on you."

Sally Scranton, a 16-year resident of Water Mill, said, "The community has been too complacent. We need more drastic measures to insure the lines are buried." Mrs. Maloney of Water Mill followed by asking for everyone to stand up and shout, "Bury the lines." Everyone in attendance stood up before Mr. Deering called for everyone to sit down and restore order.

Even Larry Penny, the Town of East Hampton National Resources Director, told a story how fifteen years ago he requested that Lilco, LIPA's predecessor, bury the lines on the Napeague stretch. "They did about twelve miles in three weeks and sent me a thank you note for the idea," he said, showing everyone the letter.

One after another, residents asked why their voices were not being heard, many noting that they had never heard of anyone supporting the idea of 60-foot metal poles running through the beautiful back roads of Bridgehampton and Water Mill.

No LIPA Trustees were present at the meeting. There was no company response to the pleas or questions of the citizens. It was as if the company was letting the community vent its frustrations on a plan already in motion. Someone asked, "How can this happen out here on the South Fork? How can this happen in America?"

At the close of the meeting, which due to the large number of speakers ended thirty minutes late, Mr. Deering said that LIPA would accept emails at sobridge@lipower.org with comments until January 17, and letters can be sent to LIPA Southampton Transmission Line Project, 333 Earle Ovington Boulevard, Suite 403, Uniondale, New York 11533 or faxed to (516) 222-9137.