GHENT–The Town Board approved water and sewer districts for the new Price Chopper store earlier this month. The supermarket chain’s new store is planned for a site adjacent to its current location on Route 66 in the Village of Chatham. But only a small portion of the new building will be within the village; most will be in the Town of Ghent.
The issue with Price Chopper stems from plans by the developer to connect the new store to the Chatham village water and sewer systems. But since most of the new building will lie in Ghent, the town would had to create new districts of its own that surround the planned store. Town Attorney Ted Guterman said that the town will only serve as a facilitator of the districts, and will not be responsible for any costs. The Village of Chatham will provide water and sewer services to Price Chopper through these districts, and Chatham Associates of Albany, the developer and owner of the property, will pay the village for the services.
“We’re creating the district, but then we’re going to step back and let the village run the district,” said Mr. Guterman.
The Town Board also approved an agreement that Mr. Guterman said “confirms that the Town of Ghent is held harmless from any kind of claim that could be made relating to the construction or operation of this district.”
Also at the May 16 meeting:
*Koethi Zan of Protect Ghent said the state Public Service Commission has certified the application by New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) for the company’s proposed high-voltage overhead transmission line through residential properties and farms in Ghent and through property owned by Art Omi.
Ms. Zan said there is a procedural hearing set for June 11. On June 14 there will be a public information presentation at 4 p.m. by the Public Service Commission explaining the process, and at 5 p.m. that day there will be a public hearing.
“That will be the first time we’ll get the opportunity to speak,” said Ms. Zan.
The June 14 public information presentation and public hearing will take place at the West Ghent Firehouse.
*The board set a public hearing for June 20 at 7 p.m. regarding the current draft of a town law regulating concerts and festivals.
