COVENTRY – Anti-gas protesters gathered in Coventry Wednesday night to rally against granting a new public utility the use of right-of-ways to run a natural gas distribution pipeline.
The protesters, many of whom were not Coventry residents, began demonstrating peacefully at around 6 p.m., two hours before a hearing was due to start regarding Leatherstocking Natural Gas LLC, a joint venture between Corning Natural Gas and Binghamton-based Mirabito Holding. The company is seeking a franchise agreement with the Town of Coventry, which would allow them to use the public right-of-way along town, county and state roads for the purpose of installing a natural gas distribution pipeline. The pipeline would carry natural gas at a pressure of no more than 124 psi and be buried at an average depth of 30” below the surface.
According to Coventry Supervisor John Phelan, the purpose of the venture is “to get local gas to local industries in a relatively closed loop.”
Mike German, president and CEO of Corning Natural Gas, explained that Leatherstocking intends to purchase gas extracted from wells in Coventry to supply large industrial customers such as Amphenol and MeadWestvaco, as well as schools and municipal buildings. There will also be an opportunity for residential customers and smaller businesses located in proximity to the line to hook into the utility.
They already have a signed franchise agreement with the Village of Sidney, which is currently being reviewed by the New York Public Service Commission. They are hoping to negotiate similar agreements with both Coventry and Bainbridge.
According to Phelan, the benefit to Coventry would be in the form of property taxes paid by Leatherstocking on their line. Are businesses would benefit from lower cost energy, which would help fuel job creation and retention. It could also create new markets for local contractors, both during installation of the pipe and with hooking up residential consumers once the utility is up and running.
It was standing room only when the town opened the public meeting. While a number of area residents spoke in support of the granting the franchise, others raised concerns that the risks might outweigh the rewards.
“I’m concerned about eminent domain and the right of way,” said Greg Evans, a resident of North Road.
Town Highway Superintendent Richard Granger clarified for Evans that the right of way was 25’ from the center of the road on all town roads, or 50’ “ditch to ditch.” Phelan added that the right of way on state and county roads was greater.
