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Peekskill Residents Rally Against Proposed Pipeline

PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- Peekskill residents are coming together to express their opposition to a gas pipeline that would run through part of the city.

An example of what the proposed Spectra Algonquin pipeline would look like.

An example of what the proposed Spectra Algonquin pipeline would look like.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Erica Mills

The Stop Algonquin Pipeline Expansion group is holding a meeting in Peekskill on Tuesday, July 15, to work on how it can stop the project.

The 42-inch Spectra Algonquin gas pipeline would replace a previous 26-inch pipeline that has existed for 60 years. The pipeline, which is subject to approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, would run across the Hudson River and into Peekskill, Cortlandt, and Yorktown.

The town of Cortlandt has already expressed opposition to the pipeline, concerned about its placement 450 feet from Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School.

Courtney Williams is hosting the meeting and said many in Peekskill are not aware of the potential hazards. She said neighbors have been contacted by Spectra about coming on to their properties to do surveys.

"We need to work together and inform our neighbors and the city of Peekskill," Williams said. "A lot of people didn't know this was coming through and the impact it could have."

Williams said municipalities have been forced to spend money on infrastructure damage. 

"Peekskill needs to be aware and ensure its financial well-being isn't jeopardized," Williams said. "Roads could get torn up, and water mains could be crushed."

Mayor Frank Catalina is expected to attend the meeting, while members of the Common Council, County Legislators John Testa and Catherine Borgia have been invited.

"We want them to hear our concerns and our platforms," Williams said. "They can help contact the EPA or Department of Environmental Conservation to make them aware of this."

Getting people aware this is coming through Peekskill is Williams' main priority. She said she was initially rebuffed by the Common Council, which told her the project would not be going through Peekskill.

"We need to get the board to step up and protect the residents of Peekskill," Williams said. 

Williams is also concerned about the impact it will have on her neighbors.

"Banks sometimes refuse to give mortgages for people purchasing properties with natural gas infrastucture on the property," Williams said. "It can be hard to get homeowners insurance."

For more information on the meeting, visit http://sape2016.org/

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