Sturgis ITC Line
Sturgis Journal, August 29, 2007
ITC representatives made a return visit to Colon Township to offer an update on the proposed 138,000-volt transmission line.
ITC is trying to resolve ownership of the old railroad bed north of M-86.
ITC proposes if the railroad bed does not work, they will ask MDOT to follow.
ITC does have the right of eminent domain to condemn property ad does not need a site plan review before the township planning commission.
-The recently published article by Terry Katz in the Sturgis Journal raises more questions than the utility seems to be willing to answer. What approvals have been made to date? The utility must know that they have to offer a plan and present notice prior to initiating any action.
Does the utility intend to go around the Michigan Public Service Commission?
How will the electric company utilize the railroad right of way? Will it attempt to claim that there was no effect on the adjacent parcels if the structures are placed only within the right of way?
Setting aside the frequently challenged research of whether high voltage power lines have an effect on health, ITC must recognize that the power lines will clearly have an effect on value, whether for known or unknown fear. An article was written on this by Michael Rikon and published in an ABA Real Property Section book about ten years ago.
My contention is that no community should be forced to pay an unequal share of furthering the power grid by suffering property loss, depreciation and health hazards when all customers share equally in the benefits of the power. Although not everyone in our county is currently embroiled in this situation, you could just as easily be. At present, there is tremendous interest in seeing the power grid expanded throughout Michigan. While recognizing the need to responsibly expand and protect our power grid, we need to give consideration toward how to do that thoughtfully and still allow communities and residential property owners to have a say. According to the Colon Township attorney, local municipalities do not have the right to have a voice in the decision making concerning utility placement like this within its community. Where does one turn if there local government is not aware current legislation. ITC Area Manger Roger Morgenstern (269-792-6024 ext 250 or rmorgenstern@itctransco.com) has advised he is very interested in keeping the lines of communication open and answer questions interested persons may have. He has agreed to speak at a public meeting concerning this project. I sincerely praise him for that, as this is by choice, he would not have to. This meeting is scheduled on Wednesday October 3, 2007 at the Colon Elementary School from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm.