The 518 area code will run out of numbers by the beginning of 2019.
There are two options being offered on how to address it and there will be a meeting put on by the NYS Public Service Commission at Glens Falls Crandall Library on Tues July 26th 5pm information meeting 6pm Public opinion hearing.
Option 1 Overlay: Overlay a new area code on top of the existing 518 area. Everyone that has a 518 number will keep it but all new numbers will have a new area code. But since there are two area codes servicing the same area everyone will have to dial the full 10 digit number with area code to call anyone else in the area. If you have 518 and your next door neighbor has 518, you will to dial 518 to call them. No matter who you call in our area you will have to use an area code.
Option 2 Geographic split: Split the 518 area and create a new area with a new area code based upon geography. This draws a line that runs SW to NE and runs through the southern portion of WashCo. This would have Salem in the northern portion with one area code and Greenwich/Cambridge in the southern portion with another area code. You would have to dial long distance to cross the line and they do not say yet who would keep 518 and who would be a new area code.
I plan on attending the meeting, so please reply back which you prefer option 1 or option 2 so I can voice our collective opinion.
Here is a link to see. Go down to appendix C to see the split on option 2
Dana
http://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={CA931A12-2D4A-4574-A76C-1EDD65A8D146}