Approximately 45 people attended a Public Service Commission hearing at the E.J. Arthur Elementary School in Athens regarding a two-phase proposal by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. to bring natural gas lines to the town and village of Athens, Tues., Sept. 24. The first phase of the proposed nearly three-mile pipeline would connect from an existing gas main near the CSX rail line to Peckham Industries' liquid asphalt plant. The second phase would bring gas service further into the village. Among the 11 members of the public that spoke: Athens Village Mayor Chris Pfister, Athens Village Trustee Herman Reinhold, Athens Town Councilwoman April Paluch and Peckham Executive Vice President, Joe Wilderman. Pfister received applause after he indicated there has been insufficient commitment provided to the village by Central Hudson. In a small group discussion following the hearing, a Central Hudson spokesman said there would need to be 100 percent support from residents for the company to go through with phase two. For more information go online to www.dps.ny.gov and type in Case #13-G-0336, or contact James Denn at the Public Service Commission, (518) 474.7080.

-- Sam Sebren

LISTEN to the full hearing (54:50)
Speakers:

1. Introduction by David Van Ort of the Public Service Commission


2. Andrea Smallwood, former Athens Village Mayor


3. Jane Toby, Catskill


4. Herman Reinhold, Village of Athens Trustee


5. Sam Sebren, Athens resident; WGXC recorder/reporter


6. Joe Wilderman, Executive Vice President, Peckham Industries


7. April Paluch, Athens Town Councilwoman


8. Chris Pfister, Athens Mayor


9. Carrie Feder, Athens resident


10. David Johnson, Athens resident


11. Douglas Koch, Athens town resident


12. Richard Greene, Athens resident