By Y.M. Lowy

Airmont residents should expect utility work beginning Thursday, June 4, as Orange & Rockland Utilities moves forward with a gas main replacement project on Stage Street.

The project, being carried out together with contractor Riggs and Distler Inc., will involve the installation of about 650 feet of new gas main along the roadway. This work will improve the performance of the local natural gas system.

Once the new main is installed, crews will begin connecting individual homes along the route. As part of that process, some homeowners may see indoor gas meters and regulators relocated to outside areas to allow easier access for utility crews in the future.

Residents are being advised of several temporary impacts during construction. Some digging may take place on private property, though all disturbed areas are expected to be restored, including lawn reseeding and surface repairs. Road plates will be used to maintain driveway access and allow safe crossing over open trenches.

A dedicated inspector will be on site throughout the project. Brief interruptions in gas service may occur while homes are connected to the new system, and utility workers will relight appliance pilot lights afterward.

The work represents an investment of just over $315,000 in neighborhood infrastructure and is expected to take about two weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions.