Update: Our Meeting with AEP

saveworthingtonhills
Sep 6
3 min read

Updated: Sep 7

Here is what we learned:

No Existing 50-Foot Easement.AEP previously informed impacted homeowners that a 50-foot easement already existed along the current transmission line. However, AEP has now acknowledged that it does not have this easement, despite its earlier claims.

AEP needs a 50-foot easement in our neighborhood to rebuild the current line.

To proceed with their plan, AEP must acquire a new 50-foot-wide easement through our neighborhood. They cite "standard requirements" for this type of transmission line to justify the width.

AEP has discretion.

While PJM (a regional transmission organization) has mandated that this project be completed, AEP has discretion in how to meet that requirement. As the local utility, AEP can propose different routes or approaches to fulfill the mandate.

Alternatives were considered.

AEP stated that they did explore alternatives to rebuilding the line in its current location. Does this suggest that even AEP recognizes that rebuilding a transmission line first placed in 1940’s farmland may not be the best option for a well-developed, residential neighborhood?

Pesticide Use (and more) is part of the Easement Agreement.The proposed easement agreement includes several risks to neighborhood beauty and value, including: regular pesticide application within the 50-foot corridor (AEP has not agreed to remove language allowing aerial spraying of chemicals), clear-cutting of mature trees, removal of landscaping, and more.

During the meeting, homeowners and neighbors requested documentation to supplement AEP’s claims listed above. To our knowledge, no such documentation has been made available.

Finally, homeowners and neighbors unanimously asked AEP to reconsider the current plans for the North Columbus Transmission Line project, so that the privacy, safety, home property values, and beauty of Worthington Hills can be preserved.

Homeowner Statements

During the meeting, impacted homeowners and concerned neighbors were permitted to make statements on how this project will impact their property and quality of life.

“AEP’s mission statement is, ‘Put the Customer first’… as an AEP customer, I feel completely disregarded by this project.

The current wooden pole would be replaced with a 70-80 foot tall steel pole. I fully understand the need to improve power infrastructure for the greater Columbus area. But this should not come at the expense of destroying a 50 year old neighborhood… This kind of infrastructure should not be forced onto the backyards of existing homes with quarter acre lots.”

The Wilson Family

“The Supplemental Easement you’re trying to get people to sign says all this (backyards, trees, etc.) will have to be leveled.

We’re told we’ll never be able to plant any major landscaping – no trees, no bushes, nothing. We’re told that your proposed easement will allow for AEP to have access through our yard whenever they would like, to do whatever they would like. We’ve been told about the plans to spray toxic pesticides to “control vegetation” where our daughter’s service dog plays her favorite game of frisbee every day.”

The Glaros Family

“The overall language from AEP… has been based on false and inaccurate information.

The document AEP wants us to sign oversteps the actual needs of AEP to simply replace the existing line in our backyards. Increasing the easement to 50 feet is simply not necessary, and the restrictions being proposed would be detrimental to our homes, our yards, and the character of our neighborhood.”