Published: September 05, 2008 03:17 pm            

GAS LAMPS: Lighting with gas going on low-flame

They've been adding a distinctive charm to four Island neighborhoods for the past 30 years.

But lately, the gas lamps on Regency Drive and Queens Drive in particular have been taking a turn for the worse.

"People can't see their kids three houses down at night," said Bev Mikulski, making an appearance before the Town Board Monday asking for action.

Queens Drive resident Dave Faix was at at Town Hall on Monday to relate the worsening condition of the lamps on his street.

The town has been aware of the growing problem and even before Monday was in talks with National Fuel to get the broken lights fixed.

"We've received hundreds of calls about this," said Town Supervisor Peter McMahon.

The problem is, National Fuel — after many years of good service — is getting out of the gas lamp business, McMahon said.

Replacement parts to keep the lights operational are getting harder to find, National Fuel is telling the town.

Walking up to some of the lamps reveals something else: the smell of gas.

"We're told it's very little and we don't need to worry about it," said Mikulski. "But we're paying for it."

National Fuel charges the town for the gas usage. Residents of each of the four gas lighting districts then pay their share in the town tax bill.

Town attorney Peter Godfrey has been working with residents and National Fuel to get as many repaired as possible before the snow starts flying.

There are three options, he said: Keep trying to repair them. Replace them with electric lights. Or have no lights at all.

Residents stressed that any changes by the town should be first voted on by residents of each street.

Although there has been no formal polling done, some say most residents want some kind of lighting on their street.

Some residents were also interested in pursuing a rebate for the wasted gas they're paying for.

However, McMahon said during Monday's Town Board meeting that is not something National Fuel has agreed to.

        

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