Transformer problem blacks out Ulster plaza

Tag : Transformer Overload
Barry Henck, a spokesman for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.,said a motor burn-out at one of the businesses in the plaza on U.S.Route 9W caused a transformer to overload at 4:28 p.m. and theelectricity to go out throughout the shopping strip.

Central Hudson fixed the problem by 5:30 p.m., but the powerremained off until 6:45 p.m., when a maintenance supervisor for theplaza arrived and activated a protective power device to which theutility does not have access, Henck said.

The plaza, built in 2004 by Benderson Development Corp. of Buffalo,is occupied by about 10 businesses, including Barnes & NobleBooksellers, Bed Bath & Beyond, Sports Authority and Pier 1Imports.

There also are two free-standing buildings at the plaza, occupiedby a restaurant, a clothing store and a cellular phone store.

Jeremy Schiffres