Status, of sorts

[Christopher N Luhn]

I have been asked by some residents for a status on our progress toward a final decision on Maltaville's water issues.  Little has transpired since the Saratoga County Water Authority Board meeting a couple of weeks ago.  Two of the specific questions asked are:  How many residents must "sign-up" to make this happen?; and, If we get water, what will it cost us to connect?

The funding for a water district -- if that's the path we take -- will come from the Town of Malta, and will be re-paid by a water district assessment on each property's taxes  (Probably for a period of 50 years).  At least, that's the current thinking.  I assume that private water sources would build the cost of infrastructure into the water service, or may seek grants or other funding sources.

As for individual cost:  No one hooks up to utilities for free.  National Grid charges for bringing natural gas to the home from the street; sewer services do the same; and I assume that water mains will be carved in under the streets and/or another common path.  Tapping in will be the homeowner's expense and will vary in cost, depending on how far from the main line the home is.  Some, then, will pay more than others.

Right now, I am waiting to hear from Supervisor Paul Sausville regarding Mr. Mackey's proposal, if any.  One assumes that Mr. Mackey would like to sell us the water from HIS water source which, as I understand it, is well-based.  The other alternative seems to be creating our own water district and tapping the County line (that, among others, will be AMD/GF's source).

Assuming that we have two competing (in a manner of speaking) alternatives, there may come a time when it would be prudent to consider hiring a consultant of our own.  Not to create a "study", per se, but to examine both plans and advise us as to which holds the most promise in terms of cost-effectiveness, reliability, quality and unit cost per household.  This, however, is simply a random thought, and will abide developments.

Much of the foregoing is speculative.  We should sit-tight and see what the Town and, possibly, Mr. Mackey propose.  (On the other hand, if it keeps raining, we may simply want to dig wells in our own back yards and be done with it!)

I will keep the group posted.

C

Very truly yours,

The Law Office of

Christopher N. Luhn, P.C.

By:   Christopher N. Luhn

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[John J. Mirabile]

Chris,

 

I was at that meeting and the feeling I got was that whatever we choose will have a fairly heavy price tag. I say that because of the amount of homes we have in Maltaville is relatively small.  The other item I felt was that this should not be put into private hands no matter what the cost. Having a basic necessity like a water source held to the whims of a for profit entity seems to me like a bad idea. We all know what greed can do.  I do like the idea of an independent consultant of our own, someone who is not involved in town politics, nor has any ties to local water providers.   

 

I want to thank you for all that you are doing and giving our l hamlet a voice that is intelligent and level headed.

 

John J. Mirabile

28 Maltaville Rd

[Christopher N Luhn]

Thank you, John.  I noticed that I did not have your e-mail in my "Maltaville Residents" group.  I assume you get these posts through the Google group list.  In any event, I added you to my own list.

Thanks again.