Propane worries

TOM residents sign petition against Beaver Dam project

By Connor Linskey
Posted 5/5/21

At the Town of Montgomery Planning Board meeting on April 26, many residents expressed their disapproval of Mirabito Holdings, Inc.’s application. In addition, 252 residents signed a petition …

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Propane worries

TOM residents sign petition against Beaver Dam project

Posted

At the Town of Montgomery Planning Board meeting on April 26, many residents expressed their disapproval of Mirabito Holdings, Inc.’s application. In addition, 252 residents signed a petition against the project, which was submitted to the planning board.

“It’s limited capacity, only 25 people are allowed in the room,” said Karina Tipton, a member of the citizen’s group Residents Protecting Montgomery (RPM). “Every chair was taken, which is pretty amazing.”

The applicant is proposing a 30,000-gallon propane storage unit on a 2.3-acre parcel by Beaver Dam Road adjacent to I-84. As far as truck delivery goes, the project would bring in one truck weighing approximately 45-tons every week or two and several smaller trucks Monday through Friday weighing about 33,000 pounds each. The trucks pose a problem, as there is a 10-ton weight limit on the road.

Mirabito proposes to keep the trees along the side of the road and aims to supplement it with landscaping. The project would be approximately ¼ of a mile away from the nearest house. In addition, the site would be fenced with security lighting only.

Mirabito Energy Products is a family-owned and operated energy product provider since 1927. They provide energy products for families and businesses throughout upstate New York, western Massachusetts and Connecticut. The company offers a wide variety of products including heating oil, propane, natural gas, coal, gasoline, diesel fuels and kerosene. In addition to being an energy provider, the company owns 108 convenience stores throughout central New York.

“At Mirabito we’re proud of our history…,” said Brett Hughes, director of real estate for Mirabito. “But by far our customers are the most important element to our success and we strive to meet their needs on a daily basis.”

During the public hearing for the application, Mike Pirl noted that the propane storage unit could be hazardous.

“I lived in Montgomery as a kid and moved back to Beaver Dam Road,” he said. “My in-laws all live here and my daughter spends every day at their farm. I am against this propane tank being anywhere near her or her cousins. There are way too many human errors that end in disaster and my child shouldn’t be counted as an afterthought. They may be safe on paper and follow all protocols, but it only takes one second to create a danger and if someone’s okay with that, put it near their kids. These tanks shouldn’t be allowed near residential homes.”

Debbie Froehlich Pirl noted that if the propane tank is installed, nearby home values will decrease.

“I don’t feel this is an appropriate use of this property with people so close and 84 literally less than 300 feet away,” she said.

Don Berger, one of the founders of RPM, pointed out that the town is reviewing its comprehensive plan and it is unclear what the zoning will be on Beaver Dam Road. Resident Joan Buck Smith added that the town’s wells are very close to the proposed project, which could be problematic.

Planning Board Chairman Fred Reichle noted that the planning board had forwarded the plans for the project to the Orange County Planning Department and had yet to hear back from them. Due to this, the public hearing regarding the application was left open.