Residents unhappy with United Illuminating's plans to rebuild electric transmission lines in Fairfield
United Illuminating has proposed to install what they call monopoles that would be much larger tower than the current poles as part of their Fairfield to Congress Transmission Line Rebuild project.
More Stories
An electricity provider is looking to replace current electric transmission lines along 7 miles of Metro-North railroad.
United Illuminating has proposed to install what they call monopoles that would be much larger tower than the current poles as part of their Fairfield to Congress Transmission Line Rebuild project. Pending approval from the Connecticut Siting Council, construction would begin in 2025.
The renderings of the plans show how the poles would look in contrast to the current ones.
"That, I think, also got people's attention for dramatic this proposal is and really unreasonable for the impact on the community," said state Rep. Jennifer Leeper.
It's been about two years since UI first proposed this project, but neighbors say they only learned of it a couple months back. Some neighbors are also worried about the impacts it will have on the conservation of their community.
"They made it very, very cloudy and difficult to understand until the 11th hour. When we did find out, we immediately filed," said Steve Ozyck, of Southport.
The town has filed to intervene and find a work around.
"There should be an alternative to what they're proposing because we really think it would have a negative impact on our town," said First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick.
UI says it has gone above and beyond in communicating to communities about these plans with mailings, signs and social media. UI will hold a second town hall on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.
The Rebuild Project would affect areas from the Pequonnock area in Fairfield and all the way to Bridgeport.
