First Energy to meet with power siting board for powerline project
YOUNGSTOWN - On Thursday, May 19, the Ohio Power Citing Board will make a decision on First Energy's plans to put transmission lines throughout Downtown Youngstown.
The lines would run directly behind the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, Covelli Centre and along the Mahoning River. The location continues to cause push back from local lawmakers and downtown businesses.
"I don't think anybody wants to support a project that damages the beautiful facilities we've built here," said Jeff Crossman, State Rep. District 15.
"Our hope is that we can force the issue and have them deny the application and force First Energy back to the drawing board to come up with a plan that meets the needs of the community," Crossman added.
Crossman explained the pandemic took a toll on public meetings for people to have their voice heard on the matter.
"To be fair to the community, we have to go back to the drawing board to make sure people get their voice heard on the project," Crossman said.
"Just to blatantly disregard everything we've done in this community is sicking and happens a lot here," said Michele Lepore-Hagan, State Rep. District 58. "We are really pushing back."
Businesses in the area like The Youngstown Flea and Penguin City Brewing Company continue to express their disapproval.
President of the Youngstown Flea, Derrick McDowell said the project could damage the millions of dollars put into the revitalization of downtown and they'd be interested in working with First Energy if they have more of a voice on the matter.
"I'm definitely against it because it'll aesthetically look terrible," said Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, Co-owner of Penguin City Brewing Company. "All of the work with Wean Park and the Amphitheatre, it just won’t be a good look. We're trying to create this beautiful space and now we may have this backdrop. It’s not something you will want to look at."
“We want to make sure voices are heard in the matter," McDowell said. "If they want to give power to people, we invite First Energy back to table. My property sits on the river front and folks are invested in riverfront developments.”
"Putting eyes on project, being the only person who's done that from the power siting board is going to be hopefully, very persuasive," Crossman added.
Crossman said a decision will be made at the meeting on Thursday and if it's not the outcome they were hoping for, they'll appeal it.
