CHARLES E.

SCHUMER
NEW YORK

COMMITTEES:

BANKING

FINANCE

lEnited States Senate

WASHINGTON, DC 20510

JUDICIARY

RULES

September 26, 2013

RECEIVED
WBUCSBWICF COMMISSION

The Honorable Audrey Zibelman

Chair
New York State Public Service Commission

OCT 0 2 7013

CHAIRMAN

ALBANY, NY

Empire State Plaza Agency Building 3 Albany, NY 12223-1350

Dear Chairman Zibelman:

This letter is regarding several constituent's concerns with the suggested transmission line project in Columbia County as proposed by the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation ("NYSEG"). I know that an Article VII is proceeding before Judge Eleanor Stein and that evidentiary hearings have commenced. Before any final decision on this proposal, please consider the residents of the Towns of Chatham, Ghent and Stockport who are very worried about the possible negative impact the power lines may impose. A number of constituents have raised concern that the proposed route would run through properties that have cultural, residential, and agricultural significance. This area of New York is undergoing a surge of economic growth, no doubt due to its sustainable agriculture and tourism. The power lines pose a risk not only to financial development of this county, but also to homes and multiple farms that lie in the proposed route. Residents fear having their homes destroyed or being forced to move off their farms. In addition, the proposed route goes directly through the Art Omi sculpture park, which would clearly diminish the enjoyment of this important cultural and tourism asset. Year after year, the number of farms in our state decreases. I spend a considerable amount of time in Washington fighting to keep our New York farms viable because I think they are essential to our economy. We cannot run roughshod over any of the farms that remain, they are too precious. I urge you to consider these implications before approving the NYSEG project, as currently proposed. Thank you for your attendance to this matter. I trust you and your colleagues will take these constituents growing apprehensions seriously and make the right decision. For any additional questions please contact my office. Sincerely,

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Charles E. Schumer
Please Respond To The Following Office:

United States Senator

LJ Hudson Valley:
P.O. Box A

LJ

Albany:

[J

Binohamton:

LJ

Buffalo:
Room 620

LJ

Lono Island:

LJ

New York City:

Suite 1702

Rochester:
Room 3040

Syracuse:
Room 841

LJ

Washington:

Leo O'Brien Building

Federal Office Building

111 West Huron

Two Grecnway Plaza

757 Third Avenue

100 State Street

100 South Clinton

313 Hart Senate Office Building

Room 420 Albany. NY 12207 1518)431-1070

15 Henry Street Room B6 Binghamton, NY 13901 (607)772-8109

Buffalo, NY 14202
(716)846-4111

Red Hook. NY 12571 (914)285-9741 (845)569-0923

145 Pine Lawn Road

Room 300N

Washington, DC 20510
(202)224-6542

New York. NY 10017

(212)486-1430

Melville, NY 11747 (631)753-0978

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TDD: (202) 224-0420

TDD: (212) 486-7661

http://schumer.senate.gov