By Manny Grossman

Critics are stoically accepting revisions to Con Edison's Environmental Management and Construction Plan for the controversial power line, which will snake from Yonkers to Manhattan along three miles of Riverdale streets. The utility unveiled its revised plan on Nov. 6.

"They spelled out a few more things," said Community Board 8's environment and sanitation committee chairman, Saul Scheinbach. "But they did not get into many details, and the devil is in the details."

In August, the Public Service Commission had rejected the utility's original plan as not detailed enough. In her ruling, PSC Chairwoman Patricia L. Acampora said Con Ed would "not receive its certificate of environmental compatibility and public need until it provides acceptable plans that address the construction-related local community impacts in Yonkers, Riverdale, the Bronx and Manhattan."

Con Edison has extended to Community Board 8 a chance to review the new plan for two weeks before it is formally submitted to the PSC for approval. Once the commission gives its OK, construction work can begin.

Although the bulk of the new plan is unchanged from the original, it does go into more detail as to how Con Ed will coordinate with local mass transit, fire and other emergency services affected by the route.

With regards to mass transit, Con Ed will review the construction schedule with the MTA to avoid bus tie-ups. It will also review manhole locations with the MTA to determine if any bus stops need to be temporarily moved. Finally, the new plan mandates that all signage letting the public know of service disruptions will be posted in advance. These notices will also be posted on the MTA's Web site.