YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The city of Youngstown filed a motion to intervene this week, so city officials can have its voice heard in opposition to a proposed transmission line project slated for downtown Youngstown.

City leaders claim the five to 6 mile-long FirstEnergy project, known as the Lincoln-Riverbend project, would interfere with downtown riverfront and recreational development.

"The stakes are very high," Jeff Limbian said, law director for the city of Youngstown.
Limbian filed a motion to intervene with the Ohio Public Utilities Commission on Monday.

The motion argues that the high voltage power line project would ruin the $10 million investment in revamping downtown near the river and the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.

He states "the visual aesthetics of an aerial transmission line would be an enormous detriment and would set back the progress of our downtown community'. His summary also warned that all plans for recreation would be setback along the riverfront development.

Limbian believes this is the first time the city has come to the Ohio Power Siting Board regarding a project.

"It's my impression that the only way you can have a voice in the process and maybe convince the powers that be that this isn't the right plan," he said. "To actually be in the courtroom, I'm told they listen a little more closely."

NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS

It's up to the PUCO to decide whether it will grant Youngstown's motion before the project goes before the Power Siting Board.

If the motion is granted, the city would become a party to the case and would have options to appeal the project, participate in the proceedings if the case moves forward or potentially reach a settlement agreement.

The PUCO's next regular meeting is scheduled for April 21.

The commission's agenda has not been released, but it's possible the FirstEnergy project could be discussed on that date or on a future date.