Neighbors in Sunbury are trying to stop a utility substation from being built in their area.
AEP is proposing to build a 765 substation, the largest of its kind, right across from Alvin Barkeloo's home.
To give you an idea of just how large that is, Barkeloo says it would be like putting 95 smaller substations on 36 acres. And that doesn't include the 175-foot tall towers.
He wants to keep AEP out, but right now the land located across the street from his house is the only site they are considering.
"It's thousands and thousands of miles of electric lines, so to think that it's only this one area that can accomplish what they are wanting to do. It makes that even more ridiculous," said Barkeloo.
Vikki Michalski with AEP said the company looked at all of the alternative sites and that the substation needs to go in the Sunbury area because of two national grid lines that intersect at the location. Michalski also said that development in the area is growing and putting the substation somewhere else is not practical.
"Part of the reason that's the best location on that property is because there are some environmental impacts in other areas of the property," said Michalski.
"No it is not the only spot. It's a matter of economics right now because they happen to own that piece of property and they are making the situation suit the location," said Carole Watson, whose home would be 600 feet from the substation.
Even the mayor of Sunbury is worried.
"We have a lot of concerns. Like I said, from a health perspective and the economically, what this might do to opportunities for further development within the village," said Mayor Tommy Hatfield.
The community worries that if the substation goes in, the village of Sunbury will never be the same.
AEP said that now it’s up to the Ohio Power Siting Board to approve the environmental aspects of the site.
Barkeloo has hired an environmental attorney and plans to continue the fight to keep the substation out of the area.
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