PSEG Long Island has been dealt a victory in its controversial power project in Port Washington.
The agency that oversees the electric utility has declared that the project—which involves putting up 80-foot poles—should go forward.
The New York State Department of Public Service, after a survey that was requested by the Town of North Hempstead, said that based on its review of the project it is “needed to meet standard transmission…criteria.”
The department added: “To ensure reliability when power usage is highest, the project should be completed prior to the 2014 summer load period.”
The news is a blow for those in Port that wanted the project halted, even as they watched PSEG move right ahead with it by lining Port Washington Boulevard with 80-foot poles that are considered by many an eyesore and take away from Port’s character.
“We appreciate the department’s quick response in their review,” which started in mid-April, said PSEG spokesman Jeffrey Weir. “Completing these transmission projects will ensure that our customers have the reliable electric service that they deserve this summer. We take very seriously the department’s recommendations on our public outreach process and will continue to engage the community on these major projects.”
Mindy Germain, executive director of Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington, said, “Our position remains the same. We should have been consulted at the beginning of the process because if we had we would have looked at undergrounding the poles, the poles themselves and many other factors.”
Germain said her organization will continue moving forward with its resolution for “reliable service that coexists with a tree-lined Port Washington.”
The group is “talking to every level of government,” she said.
Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
