YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A local group is expressing opposition to a new project by FirstEnergy designed to upgrade many of FirstEnergy's existing transmission facilities.

According to a YouTube video uploaded by FirstEnergy in December of 2020, the Lincoln Park Riverbend Transmission Line Project involves upgrading these facilities with more advanced equipment and technologies to reinforce the power grid and prevent or reduce the duration of customer outages.

The project is an approximately 5-mile 138kv transmission line connecting the Lincoln Park and Riverbend substations in Mahoning County. Additionally, the project will expand the Lincoln Park substation to accomate a new 138kv transmission line terminal.

However one local group, known as "Protect Downtown From Intrusive Power Lines" has criticized and expressed opposition to the project.

According to a Facebook post from the organization, Youngstown landmarks such as the Covelli Centre, the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, Wean Park, the planned Lincoln Park Project and future improvements to the Mahoning River are "being threatened" by the project.

"The installation of these power lines across the Mahoning River, which is currently being considered by the Ohio Power Siting Board would render these facilities useless and halt any future improvements to what has become Youngstown's largest sports, entertainment and convention area," the post read.

However, Communications Representative for FirstEnery, Brittany Al Dawood argues that this project would benefit these landmarks.

"I know there are a lot of exciting plans down the road for development in Youngstown and for the entire Mahoning Valley for economic opportunity [and] for job growth. And the point of this project is to ensure that there is safe, reliable power, that we are minimizing service interruptions, that we are fortifying the grid to really drive that forward. I think those two goals go hand-in hand where this safe reliable grid and this power source will really go a long way to helping achieve those goals," Al Dawood said.

Youngstown CityScape Executive Director, Sharon Letson tells 21 News her main concern for this project is the visual aspect noting the visual that residents get when entering downtown from the Market Street bridge.

"I'm for anything that's positive for downtown. I just know that visual when you come across that Market Street bridge is so beautiful, so that's a hard image for me," Letson said. 

Al Dawood noted that while part of this line will run near the Amphitheatre, initial drawings have shown that FirstEnergy is trying to put the line as close as possible to the tree line as well as the train tracks to minimize the impact to the Amphitheatre.

According to a map from FirstEnergy (pictured below), there are two proposed routes for the power line with both routes crossing over the Mahoning River.

The group is requesting FirstEnergy to relocate the project stating that it is "necessary to the continued prosperity of downtown Youngstown that has a lasting impact on the entire city."

Al Dawood tells 21 News that the reason this route was chosen for the project was that it was the best route to minimize environmental impact while still maximizing the benefit to the community. 

According to the video by FirstEnergy, the project is expected to begin construction in May of 2022.

The group will be holding a meeting at the Covelli Centre in the DoubleTree By Hilton Community Room Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. Anyone who works, lives or attends events in downtown Youngstown are welcome to attend.

Stay tuned to 21 News for updates.