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UPDATED: Proposed O&R Substation Public Hearing Continues (VIDEO)

Clarkstown Planning Board will hear more comments from the community and experts about the expanded facility proposed for New City.

 

The Clarkstown Planning Board’s public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a proposed for New City continues Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. In early May, the board heard from the community about the project proposed for South Mountain Road and North Little Tor Road. Planning Board Chairwoman Shirley Thormann said she continued the hearing so the public had more time to research the project and give O&R time to form responses to the issues raised.

About 50 area residents opposed the project with concerns about risk of fire, unsightliness, noise and environmental issues. Martus Granirer, president of the West Branch Conservation Association, said his organization hired an engineer to determine the amount of electromagnetic forces that could emanate from the proposed substation. He noted that electromagnetic forces have been associated with Leukemia.

He said there are plenty of unanswered questions. 

“We’re not sure what the power is meant for,” Granirer said. “We’re doing what we can to get the fact that the planning board will need to get O&R to modify its plans or even hold off for awhile.”

He said he has asked about the capacity of a device that is at the site but has not received any information. Granirer said he is very aware of it because he can hear humming and believes it is temporary since it is on wheels. O&R spokesman Mike Donovan said the utility had to locate a temporary mobile transformer at the site because of the ongoing relocation of utility poles as part of the New Hempstead Road reconstruction.

A letter went out to residents in March explaining the purpose of the temporary unit. It is an alternate electric supply for 12,000 customers in the Little Tor/New Hempstead Road area of New City.   

According to Donovan, O&R plans to make a brief presentation at the Clarkstown Planning Board.

West Branch is not the only organization to hire an expert because of the substation proposal. The Lake Lucille Property Owners Association paid for a study to have Allied Biological look at Lake Lucille.

O&R wants to construct a new electrical substation and upgrade an existing gas regulator on 10.2 acres at the corner of North Little Tor Road and South Mountain Road The street address is 549-555 North Little Tor Road.

The planning board has a second item on its agenda. That is also a public hearing and environmental review on a proposal from the Palisades Center and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The proposal is for construction of a 1,817-square-foot first floor vestibule and a 2,579-square-foot second floor vestibule to provide street level access for the proposed sporting goods store on two floors above the Bed, Bath & Beyond location.

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Kathleen May 21, 2013 at 08:55 am
CANDLE Night at the Rockland Boulders Game Join CANDLE for a fun(d)raising game on May 23rd as theRead More Rockland Boulders take on the Trois-Rivieres Aigles. Proceeds from tickets purchased through CANDLE* will support programs that educate & empower youth and reduce substance abuse and violence in Rockland County and beyond.
Heywood Jablohme May 21, 2013 at 02:48 pm
I agree with most of your points, but surely you are not implying that teachers are expected toRead More produce funding to correct school roofs, right? I think you got a bit off topic here, but I agree that our educational infrastructure is in disrepair and is in desperate need of rehabilitation. Maybe if our teacher's unions allowed a little more leeway we could allocate funding a little more appropriately and fund the important things instead of overpaying paying dinosaur teachers who lost interest a long time ago and fight any and all forms of teacher benchmarking.
WGMom May 20, 2013 at 09:10 am
It's entirely true that every professional has out-of-pocket expenses. But as someone who worked asRead More a corporate trainer, I can guarantee you I NEVER had to pay out of pocket expenses for supplies to teach classes. Every piece of paper, supply, and even snacks for the participants were fully covered expenses. If I had to spend out of pocket money to procure supplies, I could submit for a reimbursement, and receive it, no questions asked. I am now in school to become a high school teacher and I can see the stark difference in how the education of folks in a corporate environment is incredibly different, and privileged, than the public school environment. I've sat through numerous classes in the Clarkstown and Ramapo districts, doing observations required for my education certification, and while Clarkstown certainly benefits from certain advantages, the shabbiness of being a public school is still there. Furniture, such as teacher desks, that looks like it was purchased in a garage sale 30 years ago... faculty bathrooms that are dark and dingy, nearly crumbling, and sorely in need of updating. Etc. The public expects teachers to have professional training, act professionally, but they lack sometimes basic resources and are expected to function in an environment that feels more like a dungeon than an institution of learning. The citizens of Clarkstown, if they could get a tour of some of the facilities they are expecting children to learn in, and teachers to teach in, would be very surprised. We do supply some great technology, but then we put it in classrooms with windows that won't stay closed when it's windy, as one example. I spent most of my time in South, which is the best of the bunch, facilities-wise. Clarkstown North is a mess, Woodglen's woods are littered with fallen trees no one's cleaned up after Sandy, Laurel Plains had to be shuttered thanks to that whole foul stench... the district is in a situation where there are major capital improvements that are going to be needed. Buildings are aging, and it seems it's only the most basic of upkeep that happens. The district can't even fix the roofs of the buildings without applying for a state grant.
Heywood Jablohme May 18, 2013 at 07:17 am
What professional doesn't spend $500 per year on out of pocket expenses related to their jobs?Read More Staples offering 10% (or 5 in some cases) is hardly an example of the community getting involved. Thankfully, there are other examples of the community and PTA's getting involved and providing needed services. Clarkstown and surrounding areas hardly have substantial unmet needs in their classroom, thankfully.
Truth4all May 16, 2013 at 11:37 am
I guess better late than never. LaCorte is serving his 4th year as Mayor and was Trustee for I thinkRead More 4 years before that. This year is the only time he has brought the idea to the village about participating in this program. He is motivated by the opportunity of getting positive press for his County Executive campaign. The village should have been involved in this program ( as well as the Americorps program) long before this. On a positive note, hopefully the Village will continue this worthwhile partnership for many years to come.
Sunny May 16, 2013 at 03:50 pm
Is there an article on patch about it? I am unable to find except on lohud.com
Green Farmer May 15, 2013 at 08:23 pm
Finally!!
b May 15, 2013 at 07:31 pm
Thank God. It's been a long time coming. Finally someone has paid attention.!!! That man has gotRead More to go.
Watchdog May 16, 2013 at 04:37 pm
George, don't you have enough to do straightening out the affairs of Clarkstown. Overtime in theRead More Police Department is rampant and the Town Attorney is out of control. As Tom Nimick says, we need an outside auditor for that operation since taxpayers were abused with the hiring of a political operative Jay Savino who I understand is singing like a canary. Get on the right side George before the FBI comes a lookin" I hear that the Gromack war chest is the first place they are looking for clues. Do the right thing George or you will get trampled with the rest of them.
Tom Nimick May 15, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Congratulations, George. Now about your other responsibilities as a member of the Town Board withRead More primary oversight over budget and expenditures: Won't you be the one to propose the needed audit of the Office of Town Attorney? You know the problems exist - likely you know more about the problems than I do. It is sad to see you silent in the face of the abuse of patronage. When will we hear your voice on it?
Teacher May 16, 2013 at 07:24 am
The new format is attractive but it is hard to find the comments that go with stories.