From: ToH Press Release Mailing List
Sent: Monday, 2011 August 08 15:40
Subject: Hempstead Town Thank Aqua for Withdrawing Water Tower Plans

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Councilwoman Angie Cullin and Aqua New York (Aqua) President Matt Snyder announced today that Aqua is withdrawing pending applications before the local Board of Appeals, including an application seeking authorization to erect a 150-foot water tower at the company’s DeMott Avenue property in Wantagh. The Board of Appeals hearing was scheduled for August 10, 2011.

“We want to thank Aqua for ‘doing the right thing’ by area neighbors in withdrawing its application for this water tower,” stated Murray. “The company was responsive to the concerns of local neighbors, as well as those voiced by me and Councilwoman Angie Cullin.”

Murray and Cullin asked Aqua to consider less intrusive alternatives to a water tower in meeting water pressure needs for the company’s customers in a July 1st letter to the company. Additionally, the town officials requested that Aqua hold a community meeting to receive the input and advice of neighbors on the proposed water tank.

Aqua President Matt Snyder said, “After meeting with residents and talking with Town of Hempstead officials, we feel that withdrawing our current application is the best course of action.” Snyder acknowledged that at a special meeting held on July 12th at the encouragement of Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Aqua heard the opinions of the public and as a result is abandoning the company’s original plans and going back to the drawing board.

“I am delighted that Aqua will be exploring alternatives to a water tower,” said Cullin. “Exploring all alternatives to a water tower is critically important and something that area neighbors deserve.”

Snyder offered special thanks to Supervisor Murray, Councilwoman Cullin (who represents the local community), New York State Senator Charles Fuschillo and U. S. Senator Chuck Schumer for their input during this process.

"Aqua withdrawing its Wantagh Water Tower application is welcome news for the Wantagh and Seaford communities.

Residents voiced serious concerns about how this project would greatly diminish their quality of life. I shared their concerns completely, as did Supervisor Murray, Councilwoman Cullin, and many other local leaders. I am pleased that Aqua listened to the community's input, responded to our concerns, and is abandoning this proposal," said Senator Fuschillo.

“Aqua and American heard our call loud and clear to stop this non-essential, intrusive structure and instead to pursue equally effective, less disruptive solutions to water supply, and I applaud them for listening to the community,” said Senator Schumer.

Having recently announced the pending sale of its New York subsidiary to Long Island American Water, Snyder also said he looks forward to working with Long Island American Water President Bill Varley on an alternative infrastructure project to address the need for improved water pressure in the area.

“I want to thank Councilwoman Cullin for her hard work on this issue as well as State Senator Charles Fuschillo and U. S. Senator Charles Schumer for their invaluable advocacy on behalf of residents,” stated Murray. “Additionally, Matt Snyder and Aqua New York deserve sincere credit for listening to neighbors and responding to concerns. Finally, we look forward to working closely with Long Island American Water on addressing water supply issues in areas such as Wantagh
that will soon be added to the company’s service area.”