Andover Residents Miffed By Plan For Gas Pipeline Through Town

ANDOVER (CBS) - There is concern from local residents over a proposed natural gas pipeline that would come through picturesque Andover.

"Well I'm worried about property values because I have a house," said Andover resident Andrea Thorn. "And I'm worried about environmental concerns and the beauty of town."

The project calls for about 250 miles of pipeline from eastern New York to Dracut, including feeder lines to several communities like Andover.

"Not hearing positive feedback," said Dan Kowalski, Chairman of the Andover Board of Selectmen.

"A lot of people being taken off guard by people visiting their property, receiving letters and not having enough information about the project," he told WBZ-TV.

Town officials fired off a letter to the energy company, Kinder Morgan and its subsidiary, telling it to cease and desist after hearing complaints from residents who "...received numerous letters, harassing telephone calls and door-to-door intrusions" from company representatives trying to survey their land.

"We have a beautiful downtown here and I'd really like to keep it that way," said Paul LaRosa, owner of LaRosa's Restaurant.

"We don't want to be ripping up the streets and bring pipeline right through here. As long as it stays rural I think it would be a good thing," LaRosa added.

Kinder Morgan says the project would lower heating costs and that the infrastructure is needed to keep up with demand.

The energy company also says it's trying to ease concern over public safety and any impact on the environment.

A public meeting with the company is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Wednesday at Wood Hill Middle School.

Bob Douglas, the town's conservation agent, says the proposal is very concerning because the pipeline could impact the town's water supply. He believes about 100 backyards would also be impacted.

State officials says they have not taken a position yet.

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