North Shore residents turn out at NYS hearing to oppose high-voltage cable project

Hundreds of North Shore residents whose homes and businesses are slated to be in the path of a proposed series of high-voltage cables next year expressed opposition to the Propel NY Energy project at two state hearings Tuesday, raising concerns about ripped-up roadways and impacts on health, home values and struggling businesses.

The two-hour midday session at the Knights of Columbus hall in Glen Cove drew dozens of speakers and scores more who applauded them during the session before two state Public Service Commission administrative law judges. Another session was held in the evening.

All but a handful at the afternoon session spoke in opposition to the 90-mile series of cables scheduled to begin construction next year at a cost of $3.26 billion, or just under $2 a month for every New Yorker. The PSC still must give the project final approval in a process known as Article VII.

Most speakers took issue with the cable route along the main roadways in Glen Head, Glen Cove and Glenwood Landing, where a large new substation is to be built and from which the line will move under Hempstead Harbor and Long Island Sound to a substation in Westchester.

John Gladsky, a Glen Head marina owner, raised the prospect of the new cable being yanked from beneath the seabed by anchors he said are dropped by boats moored in the harbor. He said he had raised the issue with Propel’s developers, the New York Power Authority and New York Transco, but "they didn’t want to hear anything negative about it." 

Representatives for NYPA and Transco did not speak at the session, and none of the speakers' questions were answered, because the intent of the session was a public hearing.

Glen Head resident Rob Mazzella raised questions about the project’s $3.26 billion costs and feasibility, particularly as other state green energy projects, notably wind power, are now in question. "These projects are not affordable and will jeopardize the health and safety of everyone in this community," he said. "Why hasn’t this project been canceled?"

Many referred to a decision by the PSC last week to withdraw a solicitation for an offshore wind power transmission line into New York City, citing a federal pause on permits for wind projects and cost issues for ratepayers. Speakers suggested that the Propel project, initially billed as a way to transmit excess downstate offshore wind power to upstate, faces the same challenges. Propel still is awaiting at least one federal permit, from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The PSC, in a statement to Newsday last week, noted Propel’s benefits go beyond wind power, addressing "multiple needs for Long Island’s energy system," including reliability. Four speakers during the session weighed in in favor of the project, saying it would be critical to improving the state’s energy antiquated energy grid and increasing power needs.

"I strongly confirm the need for this project," said Peter Gollon, a former LIPA trustee, noting Long Island is "an electrical island" that needs the added connections and access to power promised by Propel.

Rosemary Ryba, of the Gold Coast Library, said she had "great concern" about the effect of installing the transmission line through the region, saying the "impact on our streets cannot be underestimated." She criticized public hearings held in the middle of the summer when many are away and said the scope of Propel "must be thoughtfully tailored to community needs."

Dawn Costello, a real estate agent in Sea Cliff, said she "strongly opposed" the project because it would run high-voltage cables down some of the region’s busiest streets, already often clogged with traffic. She noted the lines’ proximity to four of the area’s five schools and said the construction work would "be a direct hit to our businesses."

Lauren Peart, a Glen Head business owner, said she was never told about the project and its potential disruptions to her business when she opened her insurance agency recently. Now, she said, unable to get answers to her many questions, she "strongly opposes" it. "Please do not do this," she pleaded with the PSC judges.

Nancy Solomon, of Roslyn Harbor, raised questions about the prospect of impacts on commercial and recreational fishermen in Hempstead Harbor as well as users of the local beach.

Ed Lieberman, former mayor of Sea Cliff and now president of the Gold Coast Business Association, said the state and project developers haven’t been clear on "what this project is all about, why are these lines needed."

"We have all these questions with no answers, yet we’re being asked to give up our safety, our health, our life blood," he said, noting many businesses are already struggling. He urged the PSC to "do things slowly, carefully and neatly."

By Mark Harrington

mark.harrington@newsday.comMHarringtonNews

Mark Harrington, a Newsday reporter since 1999, covers energy, wineries, Indian affairs and fisheries.