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National Grid, NYSERDA funding new Village of Lewiston streetlights at no cost to residents

by jmaloni
Sat, Jun 22nd 2019 07:00 am

By Joshua Maloni

Managing Editor

The Village of Lewiston Board recently learned it’s the recipient of an unexpected gift.

At Monday’s monthly trustees meeting, it was revealed 190 streetlights will be upgraded by National Grid – for free. Existing bulbs will be replaced with energy-efficient light-emitting diodes.

“It came out that we have a credit, and it’s not going to cost us anything,” Mayor Anne Welch said.

National Grid projected the cost to replace the streetlights to be $6,700. With the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority offering an estimated $9,900 incentive to the municipality for the LED replacement project, Lewiston actually stands to net a $3,200 credit toward future billing.

If that wasn’t enough, National Grid will replace the light bulbs and heads, and then maintain them after they’re installed.

Department of Public Works Superintendent Terry Brolinski said his crew wouldn’t be responsible for anything.

The new LED bulbs are designed to last 20 years. Trustees expect to save $3,409 in electricity costs just in the first year of the program.

“As soon as National Grid puts the bulbs in, we start saving,” Welch said.

National Grid Lead Program Manager Marc Gschwend said the Village Board will have to decide on bulb styles and wattages. Once that happens, he expected it would take up to two months for all lightpoles to be converted.

“We do all the work, they’re installed, and, at that point, they can reap the savings of the LED lights,” Gschwend said.

Brolinski said he’s working on finding funds to upgrade the antique lights on Center Street. National Grid won’t cover that expense or provide replacement services.

Time to Take Out the Trash

Welch reminded residents to abide by the village’s trash pickup regulations.

The DPW collects garbage on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Trash cans are supposed to be brought out for collection after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday – depending on where one lives.

However, newly appointed Zoning Officer Ken Candella said, “We’re … getting some complaints about garbage being left out early.”

“It’s supposed to be at 5 o’clock,” Candella said.

“5 o’clock the day before,” Brolinski emphasized.

“No earlier than 5,” Welch said.

She also noted residents aren’t allowed to leave their trash in a garbage receptacle larger than 30 gallons or heavier than 60 pounds.

“If you’re wondering why the big can is left at the side of the road, it’s because nobody can pick them up,” Welch said.

Brolinski said each noncompliant can will be tagged by the DPW with a reason why it wasn’t accepted.

“We don’t limit the number of cans … it’s just they can’t (use) one of those big cans,” Welch said.

Pickup dates change when falling on a holiday. The schedule is available in the Village of Lewiston newsletter, which is available in the clerk’s office.

Candella, who also serves as building inspector, replaced Ed DeVantier, who recently resigned from the position. Candella previously held both positions.

Welch thanked him for doing double-duty.

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