PSEG LI gets pushback from residents on utility pole installations

<p>Residents from Eastport to Riverside protested Wednesday against almost 200 massive metal poles that were installed by PSEG Long Island.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 28, 2018, 6:40 PM

Updated 2,353 days ago

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Residents from Eastport to Riverside protested Wednesday against almost 200 massive metal poles that were installed by PSEG Long Island.
State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and other demonstrators say PSEG Long Island installed the poles without properly notifying community members or following state environmental review rules.
“We know what the problem is. We know what the solution is. The solution is, these poles must go,” said Thiele.
Some Eastport residents say they want the poles removed and the lines to be buried.
Roy Reynolds, of the East Moriches Property Association, told News 12 that the utility was supposed to come present its plans and give the public a chance to comment.
“There was an environmental process that they were supposed to follow. They didn't do any of that,” said Reynolds.
The town of Brookhaven sued PSEG Long Island to remove the poles, but lost. It's appealing the decision. In the meantime, the state Legislature recently passed a bill requiring the utility to communicate major project plans better with the public.
That bill now moves to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's desk for his signature.
PSEG Long Island told News 12 in a statement: “We are always looking to enhance our communications with our customers and have already adopted many of the items laid out in this recently passed legislation."