Should the Village Take Over the Power Plant?

In a letter last month updating locals on the state of the National Grid power plant and how it relates to Port Jefferson, : The village is looking into seizing the plant.

" has retained the services of John Dax, an attorney from Albany, who specializes in energy regulation and procedure, attorney Harvey Besunder to consult with and represent the Village in the possible filing of an action for eminent domain, and Rich Marcelli, a valuations expert to guide us through the process of valuing the property for eminent domain purposes," she wrote in her Feb. 27 letter.

However, since that letter was published, the mayor has clarified the village's stance.

"At this time, the village is not considering the takeover of the Power Plant but only discussed the procedures for a potential eminent domain action as a response to a request made by members of the general public. The Board took steps to research the process as part of understanding the spectrum of possible outcomes. For the record, in no way is the Village taking any steps to pursue taking over the plant as we remain hopeful and confident that a resolution is forthcoming which will benefit all of Long Island," Garant told Port Jefferson Patch on Tuesday.

Eminent domain occurs when a municipality effectively buys a property from an owner without the owner giving consent, usually because plans for the property are for the common good. A notable example of this happening locally was in 2005 when to build two Stony Brook University technology centers on the site.

Port Jefferson residents are already , especially since the contribute so heavily to the tax base in the village and the school district. The plant's exit would spell a major tax hike.

With eminent domain, the village would not only have to pay for the plant, but the repowering as well, unless it can find a company willing to make the investment.

So, we ask, do you want the village to be in the power plant business? Let us know in the comments.