Senator Martins & Assemblywoman Schimel Urge Governor Cuomo to Intervene on Pseg-Li Port Washington Project

     Senator Jack Martins (R-Mineola) and Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel (D-Great Neck) have urged Governor Andrew Cuomo to intervene on behalf of Port Washington residents with regard to PSEG-Long Island’s Port Washington utility pole project. 

     PSEG-Long Island has opted to harden and enhance electric transmission capacity in Port Washington by using large-diameter poles, which are up to 80 feet in height. Local residents, businesses, and civic organizations, including Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington, have expressed concerns about the project’s impact on their quality of life and the character of the community.

     PSEG-Long Island is pursing a similar project in East Hampton. In response to concerns raised by the East Hampton community, Governor Cuomo directed the Chairwoman of the State’s Public Service Commission (PSC) to intercede with PSEG-Long Island. The PSC now has a Long Island based customer service unit to handle issues related to PSEG-Long Island. 

     Senator Martins and Assemblywoman Schimel have asked the Governor to direct the PSC to take the same steps on behalf of local residents that it did for East Hampton residents. 

     “Although we understand that PSEG is hardening the transmission system to ensure greater reliability, it must be balanced against the short and long term impacts to the community. Working together with other local elected officials, including Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, we’ve called upon the Governor to help make that happen,” said Senator Martins. 

     “The installation of 80 foot poles and the aggressive tree trimming associated with this project has greatly impacted the residential and commercial areas of Port Washington. Given the nature of this project, I strongly believe that PSEG should have convened public forums in the affected communities prior to the start of the project. It is my hope that with all the stakeholders we can arrive at some alternatives that will lessen the impact of this project on the Port Washington community,” said Assemblywoman Schimel.