In a 5 to 3 vote on Thursday, following extensive pressure from municipal and state leaders as well as residents of Bridgeport and Fairfield, the Connecticut Siting Council scuttled United Illuminating’s proposal to expand electric power lines in those communities utilizing high-rise monopoles.
Opponents of the plan advocated for the power lines to be buried.
Statement from Mayor Joe Ganim:
The residents and administration of the City of Bridgeport extend their sincere gratitude to the CT Siting Council for their recent decision to vote “No” against United Illuminating’s proposed installation of monopoles. This decision reflects the Council’s consideration of local concerns expressed by both the Bridgeport and Fairfield communities regarding economic development, protection of the environment as well as historic, cultural, and religious properties.
“We are deeply appreciative of the Siting Council’s thoughtful and deliberate approach,” said Mayor Ganim. “Their vote demonstrates respect for our residents, our partners in Fairfield, and the integrity of our neighborhoods. By choosing to reject the proposal, the Council has affirmed its commitment to responsible infrastructure planning and to finding equitable solutions that protect quality of life, foster economic growth, and preserve the character of our communities. The City of Bridgeport remains committed to working collaboratively toward energy solutions that balance progress with environmental and social responsibility that are in the best interest of our residents.”
Statement from Bridgeport and Fairfield House delegations:
The Bridgeport and Fairfield House delegations, Representatives Antonio Felipe (D-Bridgeport), Steve Stafstrom (D-Bridgeport), Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield), Christopher Rosario (D-Bridgeport), Christin McCarthy Vahey (D-Bridgeport, Fairfield), Andre Baker, Jr. (D-Bridgeport), Fred Gee (D-Bridgeport), Marcus Brown (D-Bridgeport) and Sarah Keitt (D-Fairfield) issued the following statement on the CT Siting Council recent decision to deny United Illuminating’s proposed installation of monopoles.
“This decision affirms our strong and unequivocal opposition, alongside the voices of the communities directly impacted, to what can only be described as environmental discrimination against Bridgeport and Fairfield. This project would have stifled economic development, infringed upon property rights, and triggered widespread social disruption. The unity shown by our communities was a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve when we stand together. We hope this serves as a model for future collaboration. We are grateful to the Connecticut Siting Council for hearing and acting on our concerns and will remain vigilant in monitoring any future developments.”
For years and years, the UI co. has been inconsiderate to their captive costumers with total disregard for our monthly cost and properties!
It’s time for a flucking change!!
“It’s time for a flucking change!!”
Careful what you wish for. There will be a change on our electricity rate. Did anyone inquire about the estimated higher cost for the average consumer?
Mayor Ganim says, ” …that are in the best interest of our residents.”
Speed this whole thing is a political farce. To say and the state approve a plan to upgrade the electrical lines that are currently over the rail line by to take everybody property in the form of an easement for new monopoles is beyond understanding. The lawsuits, not to mention the payouts for all the land taken if it actually seen the light of day.
The reversal drama says something, but the reversal of the reversal was “inevitable” 🙂
It’s fair to say this plan was a ploy to get a rate increase. The IU and parent company Avangrid needs a bogyman for the rational to increase their bottom line/prophet. JMO
What say you John, W?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L4ldXvWwrI