Mineola receives $11 million to replace lead water lines

The Village of Mineola will use $11 million in state grant funds to identify and replace lead water service lines. Mayor Paul Pereira presented the financial breakdown during the Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 4, outlining how the money will be allocated between investigation and repair costs.

The funding supports compliance with the state’s Lead and Copper Rule. The village has approximately 6,000 water service connections that require investigation. These connections include both the municipal segment owned by the village and the residential segment owned by property owners.

Pereira stated that the village estimates $2 million of the grant will cover the cost of identifying lead lines. The remaining $9 million is designated for replacements. He noted that replacing the municipal portion of a single line typically costs between $10,000 and $15,000. Work on the residential portion ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the length and location of the pipe.

The mayor indicated that the village hopes the grant will cover all necessary work. He expressed confidence that the funds are sufficient to mitigate the issue without requiring additional borrowing. Pereira clarified that the project involves water infrastructure work and is distinct from road construction projects. Residents should not expect road closures as part of this specific initiative.

The board also approved $19,000 for engineering services to prepare an application for a New York State Clean Water grant. This funding will support improvements to the village’s water storage infrastructure. The target for this application is an overhead water storage tank that holds approximately 500,000 gallons. The tank is at least 60 years old, and officials are currently evaluating whether to renovate or replace the structure.

Pereira explained the economic logic behind the renovation decision. Renovating the existing tank could extend its service life by 20 years. Replacing it could provide a service life of 60 to 70 years. The village also operates an underground tank on Emery Road with a capacity of 1.5 million gallons. This tank is filled overnight to meet demand during peak summer months or when wells are offline. State officials have made hundreds of millions of dollars available for such infrastructure projects.

During public comment, resident Victoria Schneider discussed a proposed Chaminade fitness center at 366-388 Jericho Turnpike. Schneider opposed the project as presented, specifically citing a request for a height variance. The proposed building would stand approximately 41 feet, 11 inches tall, exceeding the village’s 25-foot limit. She raised concerns regarding noise, parking, privacy, and traffic impacts on the neighborhood.

Pereira stated that the application is pending before the Zoning Board of Appeals. He noted that the Board of Trustees could not comment on the merits of the application to avoid legal complications. The hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19. Village officials confirmed that the Building Department will monitor construction if the project is approved.

The board approved several change orders for the ongoing Community Center renovation. These changes include electrical improvements, concrete work, and the removal of hydronic heating from classrooms. Pereira stated that the changes are covered by allowances in the original contract and will not increase the total contract amount. The board also approved the purchase of two solar-powered refuse collection stations for $11,835.40 and $15,000 for a water vulnerability assessment.