Almost 200 people gathered in Cortlandt Manor Wednesday for the first of two meetings on the re-licensing of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.

The public forum, which is mandated by law, was the first of several that will help the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) decide if it will renew Indian Point?s license for another 20 years. Unit 2 of the plant is up for renewal in 2013 and unit 3 is up in 2015.

The public had some harsh words for Entergy, which owns the plant, concerning safety. Allegra Dengler, of Dobbs Ferry, asked if drainage pits that had been blocked were fixed as promised. Others felt Entergy had lied about the plant?s safety and withheld information from the public. Problems at the plant, such as leaks and issues with emergency sirens, fueled the public?s skepticism.

Neil Sheehan, of the NRC, welcomes the public's input. ?The public may call to our attention issues that were not readily apparent to us as we reviewed the application,? Sheehan said.

The next meeting is expected to be held in August and will focus on the environmental impact of Indian Point.

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