Six Things you Need to Know About the Proposed O&R Substation on Oak Tree Road
The residents of Tappan and nearby towns have become increasingly alarmed at Orange & Rockland’s plan, discovered only last Spring. Here are some of our most important concerns regarding this issue.
1. It was supposed to be a secret.
No one in the surrounding area was notified of this major change to our community, although it had been in the works for several years, and no one was notified about O&R’s presentation to the Planning Board on March 12th. Only by accident did we find out about their plans.
2. It’s big. It’s not pretty. And it could be dangerous.
Imagine a structure the size of the Duke’s Ocean Grill, only it’s 4 stories tall. On Oak Tree Road. The proposed substation will be 43 feet tall and surrounded by a fence measuring 134 feet by 159 feet. It will be set back from the road a mere 50 feet, shielded from view by trees that lose their leaves for most of the year. This substation will then become the welcome sign on the gateway road of Oak Tree Road leading into the historic hamlets of Tappan to the west and Palisades to the east.
In addition, there are real concerns about children’s safety and health risks associated with such high voltage lines near residences. We do not know the long term health risks associated with this. (And if you Google “substation explosion” you will find a number of stories, photos and videos that illustrate some of the other possible dangers.)
3. It will affect our property values.
If this is approved, property values in the immediate area will plummet. Who would want to purchase a home near an electrical substation? Several Tappan residents have already lost buyers because of the possibility of the substation being built and cannot sell their homes. Not only the houses that sit 200 feet away but the entire neighborhood bounded by Lawrence St., Oak Tree Rd., and Rte. 303 (more than 5 streets) will be affected.
4. Location, location, location. (Find another location, please!)
The proposed site for this substation is close to a residential neighborhood on a road that connects two historic areas.
It is also within ten feet of a wetlands area AND within 1 foot of the 100 year floodplain. This area is known to flood in heavy rains. We have all seen it and experienced the closure of Oak Tree Road, most recently April, 2007.
The site on Oak Tree Road is directly across from the Joseph Clarke Rail Trail Park and a designated school bus stop. Most importantly, a high pressure gas transmission pipeline is located on the property.
The new shopping center in Northvale and a large housing development being built at 199 Paris Ave in Northvale are a few of the reasons for the increased demand for electricity. We believe it is time to find a better location to serve these needs.
5. What’s happened so far
On May 28 O&R brought their plans to the Orangetown Planning Board. With very little notice (24 hours) about 30 or so people showed up at this meeting.
A group of concerned citizens of Tappan have formed a community action group, created a website, www.savetappan.com, organized writing campaigns to our local and state politicians, and educated ourselves on the Town Code and the dangers of living near an electrical substation.
On Monday, September 8, 2008 approximately 150 concerned residents packed the Orangetown Town Hall, where O&R representatives fielded questions from the public. Their answers to our questions did not alleviate our concerns. As a group we investigated and educated ourselves and proved that they did not provide accurate information to the Planning Board.
We will not sit back and tolerate this being put in our neighborhood just because they are a large corporation. We understand there may be a need for increased electricity, but a residential neighborhood is not an appropriate location for a substation.
6. It’s not too late!
O&R does not own the land yet! They still need to pass the Planning Board. That’s why it’s so important to come to the meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 7:30pm, in the Court Room in Orangetown Town Hall!
What you can do:
Visit www.savetappan.com. Sign the petition and get on the mailing list for updates.
Contact Orange and Rockland, the Orangetown Planning Board, the media, and our elected officials and voice your opposition! Send letters, emails, phone calls, etc. All their contact info is on the website: www.savetappan.com.
Come to the Oct. 22 meeting at Orangetown Town Hall! If you oppose this plan, it’s important that you attend to show your support.