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Planning Board approves National Grid substation replacement with stormwater and demolition conditions
Summary
The board recommended modified local approval for a Niagara Mohawk/National Grid substation replacement in Bethlehem, conditioning final sign‑off on a NYSDEC‑consistent stormwater pollution prevention plan and demolition materials review.
The Albany County Planning Board approved staff’s recommendation of modified local approval for Niagara Mohawk Power Corp (doing business as National Grid) to demolish and replace a substation at 25 Mason/Reesen Road in the town of Bethlehem.
Staff said the project involves demolition of the existing station and construction of a larger‑capacity fenced substation in the same footprint. The board’s approval requires submission of a notice of intent and a stormwater pollution prevention plan consistent with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation general permit for stormwater discharges (effective January 2025) for construction activities disturbing more than one acre. An advisory note asked the town to require a demolition review to ensure no hazardous materials are present on site.
Board members asked technical questions about the demolition advisory and standard demolition procedures; staff confirmed the advisory is a routine addition because the project includes demolition. The motion to approve, including the stormwater and demolition conditions, was made and the board voted to approve the referral.
Next steps: the town of Bethlehem will incorporate the county’s advisory and the required NYSDEC documentation in its local permitting and final approval process.
