Greenport Village Board Decides Unanimously to Move Ahead With PSEG Cable Plan: Mayor

GREENPORT, NY — After months of deliberation and protests from the public, the Greenport village board has decided to move forward with a PSEG underline electric cable project from Greenport to Shelter Island they say could pose health, environmental and quality of life concerns.

According to Greenport Village Mayor George Hubbard, the board met in executive session and decided that the benefits to the village, including a backup power cable, were "crucial."

In addition, PSEG has agreed to another $300,000 over the initial $1.2 million discussed, that Greenport would receive for the deal, Hubbard said.

"The board wants to move this project forward," Hubbard said, adding that a vote will take place at the next board meeting, which takes place Monday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.

In addition, Hubbard announced that the village was denied lead agency status in the environmental review, on all three criteria. While the decision could be appealed, Hubbard said the board feels it is "the best thing for village and residents that we vote not to appeal."

Of the PSEG project, Hubbard said, "We are going to be on them like a dog," watching every move to ensure they adhere to the contract.

A village watchdog will also be hired, he said, to watch work commence.

For months, a sea of residents, largely from Fifth Street,has protested the plan, citing safety, quality of life, and environmental concerns.

Patch file photo of a former meeting on the PSEG issue.