Laura Mohr, of Eastern Energy Solutions, spoke to the Schoharie Village Board recently about conversion of street lighting to LED technology.
Eastern Energy Solutions, a family-owned company, is working with a number of towns and villages, including Stamford, Middleburgh and Sidney and in Afton, they’re working on a case study that will show municipalities the scope of work and how much conversion costs.
Ms. Mohr talked about privatizing street lighting as one way for any municipality to save money.
The village rents the street lighting fixtures from National Grid; owning the fixtures is cheaper, she said.
Also, LED technology provides much lower electricity costs and maintenance for LEDs is less because their life span is longer.
Ms. Mohr discussed various possible grants with Mayor John Borst and trustees, cautioning that “Time is of the essence, there are grants available but it’s first-come first-served.”
Mayor Borst said he wants to see how Eastern Energy Solutions makes out with its study in Afton before making any decision.
The board also discussed the Birches in Schoharie housing project.
Bank of America will pay the past due water/sewer bills, and according to Mayor Borst they’re hoping to have the housing project completed by June 1.
Mayor Borst said there’s a new manager and they’re looking for recertification by the code enforcement officer.
“After that, the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal has specific guidelines. They have to check income for all people coming in there,” he said. People who applied before will have to reapply.