Representatives from all sides of the Broadwater barge debate gathered for News 12 Long Island?s special town hall meeting Thursday.

The plan to put a liquefied natural gas barge in the Long Island Sound has been a hot topic of debate since it was first announced four years ago. The battle became especially heated during the meeting as four panelists, including Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, voiced their opinions on the matter.

The Brookhaven Town Hall audience, mostly filled with Long Islanders who opposed the barge plan, applauded Levy when he came out against Broadwater. Levy said Long Island has enough of an energy supply and does not need the barge. He said the project was not worth it.

Broadwater officials planned to be part of the meeting, but did not participate. Instead, Bill Cooper, president of the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas appeared via satellite. He maintained the barge will be safe because of its design.

Many residents who attended the town hall meeting said they oppose the plan for environmental and safety reasons.

The federal government has already weighed in and approved the project. The plan is now in the hands of Gov. David Paterson, who has yet to approve it.

To watch the full town hall meeting, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.