Two police officers were approved to be hired and concerns about the upcoming Leary Lane water main project were raised during the latest Town of Newburgh workshop meeting.

Nicole Dolan and John Romano were hired by a unanimous vote from the board. They will move on to a background check before assuming their positions as part-time officers.

Discussion then moved to the construction of a water main on Leary Lane to address ongoing issues with PFOS and PFOA contamination in the drinking and sewage water in Newburgh’s residential areas.

Town engineer James Osborne presented the project’s design to the public and discussed the problems leading up to the proposed construction.

The project includes the construction of a lateral water main extension designed to filter out the water and will be located on the Route 17K right of way. The water main is expected to amount to 795 linear feet in total.

Problems have arisen with the current water main. The water main has a gravity sewer line that does not contain valves which regulate the water meter, which presents a violation of Town of Newburgh requirements.

Additionally, system leakage has become a growing problem affecting residents in the area.

To this end, Leary Lane resident Melinda Cortez was concerned the project would not commence before winter.

“It has been a hardship for two years now to buy water to wash clothes, shower,” she said “We love our home and we want to continue living there.”

Cortez is especially worried for her children, who have been faced with challenges of their own.

“I wouldn’t wish for this type of living, especially with children who are Type 1 diabetics,” she said. “Keeping everything clean for my children is a challenge.”

“We are moving along as fast as we can,” replied Town Supervisor Gil Piacquadio.