Port Jervis utility increase opposed; Support for white-water park

Anya Tikka
Posted 8/21/12

PORT JERVIS, NY — Electricity and natural gas rate increases proposed by Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) to the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC) came under scrutiny at the Port …

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Port Jervis utility increase opposed; Support for white-water park

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PORT JERVIS, NY — Electricity and natural gas rate increases proposed by Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) to the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC) came under scrutiny at the Port Jervis Council meeting on January 12. Councilmember George Belcher said Orange and Rockland rates are already among the highest in United States, and people simply couldn’t afford another rate hike. If the proposed hike goes through, O&R supplied electricity will be more expensive by 5.2%, and natural gas by a whopping 16.8%.

Belcher read out a proposed council resolution, which stated in part, “The residents and businesses within the City of Port Jervis are already struggling to pay the high rates that Orange and Rockland charges, which include incredibly high delivery charges for energy services.”

New York State allows O&R to charge separately for delivery and supply, resulting in higher energy charges than in many other states.

Belcher continued, “I sent emails to 10 different towns and cities, asking them also to oppose this rate increase. I’ve already received the acknowledgement from the Town of Deerpark that they have already done that, and are going forward notifying the commission. I also received acknowledgements from three private citizens who also have written letters to the commission opposing the increase… The more involvement in writing we have with the public service commission, the more chance we have at least to have a reduction in an increase. “

Mayor Kelly Decker, endorsing Belcher, said, “As you can see, only three people wrote back that they sent letters. It’s certainly important that you send letters to the commissioners, because if they hear from three people, it doesn’t matter; if they hear a lot of people scream, ‘I don’t want the increase,’ they will take notice. That’s what you need to do, to scream from the mountain top.”

The council members passed the resolution unanimously, and a copy of the adopted resolution will be sent to Kathleen Burgess, secretary of the NYSPSC.

The plight of many Port Jervis residents who struggle with their bills came up again when Valerie Maginsky, executive director of the Port Jervis Community Development Agency, spoke about the new grants the agency is applying for. If funding is obtained, two different grants will be available to residents to fix houses within the city. She said, “Sixty-six percent of Port Jervis residents qualify for these grants.” The grants would come through the New York State Homes and Community Renewal Housing Trust Fund Corporation

Office of Community Renewal grants are available to low- to moderate-income residents. “To give you an idea, a family of four can make up to $66,000 per year to qualify,” Maginsky explained.

The maximum grants available are $400,000 for the city to divide among approved applicants, and $40,000 per unit for each approved applicant. A public hearing regarding the grants has been scheduled prior to the next council meeting on January 26.

Decker said the programs are part of the effort to rehabilitate the city, and the grants are intended for people who occupy the houses. “They are available to owner-occupied, one- to four-unit houses,” he said. The results of the grant applications will not be available for some time.

In other business, Decker read out a letter of support from the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway for the proposed white-water park project. The letter stated the UDSB is pleased to offer its support “on the basis of its potential to help stimulate the regional economy, enhance recreational opportunities, and improve river habitat.”

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