A short section of downtown Cobleskill may soon have natural gas service.
Senator Jim Seward is asking the state Department of Public Service to quickly approve a request to extend gas lines along Park Place to serve the Bull's Head Inn, Park Theater and other businesses and homes.
Chris Guldner, one of the Bull's Head owners, started the process just before he and partner Mary Sagendorf bought the inn in early 2013.
Hoping to get cheaper fuel for heating and cooking, Mr. Guldner contacted New York State Electric and Gas in February, 2013.
"It didn't seem like a priority for anyone," said Mr. Guldner, who persisted.
Then he contacted state legislators, including Senator Seward, and the process started to move.
Although NYSEG installed natural gas lines in Cobleskill years ago, a quirk in the contract omitted Park Place, according to Senator Seward.
NYSEG is now on board with the short extension and has asked the Public Service Department to act on the request.
"Affordable energy can be a true game-changer when it comes to attracting new businesses and jobs to our region," said Senator Seward, urging speedy approval.
He also wants quick action so the lines go in before the state Department of Transportation makes improvements to Main Street.
"Timely approval would avoid the unnecessary and costly reconstruction of new installed road improvements," Senator Seward said.
Assuming Public Service approves NYSEG's request, Mr. Guldner expects the lines to go in sometime in the late summer or early fall.
Even though the Bull's Head will open before the gas lines are in, Mr. Guldner's ready at the inn.
"We'll use propane at first, and then convert to natural gas," he said.