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Syosset board authorizes counsel to seek party status in Propel New York transmission proceedings
Summary
After hearing an update on proposed buried high-voltage lines that will cross district roads and run in front of Robins Lane Elementary, the board approved a resolution authorizing district counsel to pursue party status before the New York State Public Service Commission to protect safety, access and tax concerns.
The Syosset Central School District Board voted to authorize district legal counsel to take all necessary filings to request party status in the state ocket over the Propel New York buried transmission project.
Doctor Rogers briefed the board on the project, saying the state proposes to bury several high-voltage transmission lines to move more power to Long Island and that two routes will cross district territory, including Southwoods Road and a location in front of Robins Lane Elementary. He listed three persistent concerns: construction-related disruption to access and bus routing, potential utility interruptions during work, and safety implications of energized high-voltage lines adjacent to school facilities. "If they're going to be in our community, obviously, that's important to the taxpayers of the community," he said.
Administrators recommended three levels of engagement: monitor the PSC process and submit public comments; provide written and oral testimony at hearings; or seek party status, which offers broader procedural tools including participation in settlement discussions and a more formal standing in hearings but can carry legal and consultant costs.
Several board members supported seeking party status to give the district greater access to technical settlement processes and to allow cost-sharing with neighboring districts. Board member Ms. Abramson said joining the party "gives us potential to be in the room where it happens" and that costs could be limited or shared if other affected districts also seek status.
The board moved a resolution authorizing the district ttorney to pursue party status; the motion was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Administrators said they will begin filings immediately, hire an environmental/safety consultant to evaluate construction impacts and pursue cost-sharing with neighboring districts, and report back to the board with status and cost estimates.
