Use funds to assist homeowners in removing underground oil tanks
Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to state Assemblyman Charles D. Lavine (D–Glen Cove) and submitted for publication.
Dear Assemblyman Lavine,
My name is Chester McGibbon, and I am a constituent in the 13th State Legislative District, residing in the Incorporated Village of Westbury.
Regarding the above referenced subject matter and the emphasis placed on improving and creating a cleaner, greener environment, I am proposing that considerations be given to assist homeowners with the removal of underground oil tanks used for heating purposes.
Homeowners here in Westbury with such tanks, many of which were built in the 1940s to the 1950s, are faced with the tremendous financial costs of having such tanks removed and at the same time having to contend with the risk of causing an environmental disaster the longer these tanks remain underground storing such a corrosive commodity.
I am proposing that homeowners be assisted with some form of grant to relieve them of the financial burden.
While on the topic of clean air, I am also asking you to use your good office to argue for a smoother and less complicated process for homeowners seeking to convert from oil to gas as an alternate source of energy. The process here in Westbury, in my view, comprises unnecessary hoops, slowing down the transition.
Hoping you will find it possible to accommodate my requests.
—Chester McGibbon
