In response to your letter “Readers Write: Investigate approval for PSEG poles,” April 17, 2014, I would like to address some of your questions and concerns.
The entire PSEG-LI “reliability project” consists of 210 poles, 23 of them on Town of North Hempstead roads, with the remainder of the poles being installed along state and county roads.
The Town of North Hempstead Highway Superintendent issued two permits in November 2013 for pole replacement, prior to my taking office in January. The permits covered installation of 23 poles on North Hempstead roads. There was no indication the poles would be replaced with 80 foot poles.
It is important to note that neither the Town nor the County has any jurisdiction over any PSEG project. PSEG-LI and its plans to provide electricity are governed by the State through LIPA and through the New York State Department of Public Service. The Town does not have authority to regulate PSEG-LI.
I am also extremely concerned about this project and the process by which it moved forward. That is why, at my urging, PSEG-LI officials met with the community on March 24. In addition, on April 4, I met with officials from the DPS to discuss my concerns and the concerns of the community.
Last week, I received a letter from the DPS which stated they have commenced an “independent review” of the process by which PSEG-LI determined the need for the project. (I am attaching a copy of that letter.)
In addition, at the last town board meeting, we unanimously approved the hiring of an independent consultant to study the feasibility of burying the power lines underground. We have already met with the consultant and the study is underway.
It is my hope that in the future PSEG-LI will operate with more transparency and openness. It is the least we deserve from a public utility company.
Judi Bosworth
Supervisor,
Town of North Hempstead
