Ganim, State Rep. Felipe Blast State Agency For Reversing Course On UI Monopoles – “Betrayal”

From Mayor’s Office:

Today, Mayor Ganim issued a statement in response to the CT Siting Council’s decision to allow United Illuminating to install monopoles in Bridgeport:

“The CT Siting Council’s reversal of their previous decision now allowing United Illuminating to install monopoles through Bridgeport and Fairfield is a betrayal of the people of Bridgeport. I’m asking the state Attorney General to investigate this matter.

What has United Illuminating said or done, behind closed doors, that has caused them to change their votes since their meeting in June? We know of nothing publicly, and this lack of transparency needs to be investigated. The people need to know. This is a public utility and transparency, and consistency is paramount. The residents deserve nothing less and we won’t stand for these shenanigans.

The residents and business communities of Bridgeport and Fairfield have been explicitly clear that this project is a massive overreach that will infringe on private property and negatively impact environmental and historic preservation efforts. It is unconscionable that the Siting Council would suddenly side with the financial interests of UI over the people of Bridgeport and Fairfield. We will fight like hell to ensure that this project is not officially approved.”

From State Rep. Antonio Felipe:

Representative Antonio Felipe (D-Bridgeport) issued a statement today on the CT Siting Council’s vote in favor of United Illuminating’s original transmission line application.

“I am deeply disappointed by the shocking reversal by the CT Siting Council. Yesterday, via straw poll, they voted in favor of United Illuminating’s original transmission line application. That decision means that unfortunately, large, and unsightly monopoles will be installed in Fairfield and in our City of Bridgeport.

These monopoles not only add an unwanted visual aspect to our neighborhoods but the plan to install them has claimed parts of people’s property, created impediments to residents and has created barriers to the operation of some businesses and the continuation of historical preservation efforts. Furthermore, this plan flies in the face of the many constituents that had contacted me and other affected legislators over the last few years.

When there is more concern for the dealings of Government and the utilities themselves than the constituents that we all serve that is a deep disservice to those constituents. Personally, I had received many calls, emails, letters, and messages alleging deep concern for this issue. I believe that many of these people who are running their businesses or living busy daily lives were not aware of this docket and now decision.

This is not a way to conduct business. The people called us demanding answers and we provided not only context to their requests but solutions to the problem. Now we are left to answer to constituents that we did nothing but fight on behalf of, because the CT Citing Council doesn’t have to answer to those constituents. This decision is wrong, it disregards the will of the people and should not be the final answer.”