LAKE HUNTINGTON - The toxic algae bloom on Lake Huntington seems to grow worse with each passing summer and with more development happening around the lake within the past five years or so, the quality of its water is changing - and not for the better.

For that reason, American Electric CEO Michael Popolillo and Cochecton Preservation Society member Joe Manaseri organized a “Lake Front Property Owner” meeting that took place inside the Cochecton Town Hall on Saturday, October 8.

According to Town of Cochecton Supervisor Gary Maas, the meeting was the first of many to be held.

Property owners and concerned residents around Lake Huntington came together to talk clean up and what steps can be taken to make the lake better. With important topics to be discussed such as the ever-increasing algae bloom, salt on the road, agricultural runoff, sewage and more, there is a lot to be considered, including having the lake water tested by a private company for a second time.

Once the water has been tested it will give them a better idea of what is wrong so steps can be taken toward a solution and making the lake better.

“We want to start a lake association and are looking to the people who live on and use the lake to help us do that,” said Popolillo. “We welcome everyone here but the people who own property on the lake will be the ones that will be involved in the decision making.”

Popolillo stated that they are looking to reach out to all landowners around the lake including the second homeowners - many of whom reside in New York City and New Jersey - to get them involved in future meetings as well.

“If we don't do anything about the lake now,” added Popolillo, “it will just get worse and worse and the lake will eventually be shut down.”

“Shut down” meaning no fishing, boating, swimming or recreational activities of any kind.

Manaseri and Popolillo plan to have another meeting sometime in late November.

For more information or to get in contact, write to lhnylakeassociation@gmail.com