- By Dan Veaner
- News
The Lansing Town Board is considering extending the water district to include an area in the vicinity of Algerine Road and part of Lansing Station Road in the North West area of town. Some residents in the area have been interested in having town water there for almost ten years.
Last April a group of residents from the neighborhood conducted a survey, which they presented to the Town Board. Of the eighty questionnaires returned, 82.5% (66 residents) responded positively to extending the district. One resident told the Board, "These people want water!"
The total project would cost approximately $695,000 which would make each single family dwelling owner's dept charge about $507 per year for 30 years. This is based on the assumption that each residence in rural Lansing has three occupants who will use an average of 300 gallons per day.
Some neighbors are unhappy at the prospect of this fee. Board Member Connie Wilcox said she had already received calls from residents who said they would go along with the dept fee, but do not want to hook up to the water when it is available. Water usage would incur an additional charge. She said the charges are a big stumbling block for low income families.
The Tompkins County Health Department has documented concerns about the water supply in the area and has indicated it is willing to help make the project qualify for aid.
The town has had the area analyzed to explore possible service areas and financing. Additionally they retained T.G. Miller, P.C. to prepare a map and plan for the proposed water district extension. The next step is a public hearing, and after that the proposal will be subject to a referendum. If the residents within the proposed district approve the Board's determination it will be sent to the New York State Comptroller for approval.
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