logo

Fairfield, CT

Fairfield Coalition Mobilizes Local Support Against UI Power Corridor Plan

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield, Southport and Bridgeport residents are coming out by the hundreds to oppose United Illuminating’s (UI) power plan that would drastically change the landscape of the local area -- and raise serious environmental and health questions. 

UI’s current plan involves the construction of new 100- to 195-foot mono-poles and transmission lines along 7.3 miles of land south of the existing Metro North/Amtrak railway. Major questions have been raised about the loss of property rights through the 19.25 acres of easements the plan would require, as well as potential environmental risks to wooded areas and wetlands resulting from the deforestation and excavation needed to support the new monopoles.

A fast-growing grassroots organization comprised of local area residents, civic organizations, religious leaders and small businesses organized by the Sasco Creek Neighbors Environmental Trust Inc. (SCNETI) has mobilized a far-reaching legal, outreach and educational campaign aimed at reversing UI’s controversial plan.
  • In just five days, more than 500 local residents signed a public petition calling on the Connecticut Siting Council to reject the proposed UI project, and for UI to withdraw its application.
  • A website has been set up at www.empoweringfairfield.org to provide detailed information on the scope of UI’s plans, project highlights, recent updates, upcoming events, resources and photos.
  • A series of in-person events is planned, including a public protest this Sunday, November 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Pequot Library at 720 Pequot Avenue in Southport. All are welcome.
  • Yellow ribbons are being distributed so that residents can demonstrate their opposition by tying them in highly visible spots on their property. Ribbons are available at Pequot Library, Southport Congregational Church, Trinity Episcopal Church Southport, Wakeman Boys and Girls Club Southport, First Congregational Church, Fairfield. 
  • To engage the local community further, SCNETI has launched a Facebook site where the latest news will be shared and concerned residents can ask questions and engage with each other. 
“If the UI project proceeds as planned, it will unleash profound and irreversible repercussions that will detrimentally affect our local economy, environment and overall quality of life. Regrettably, the lion’s share of these impacts and costs will be shouldered by the residents, organizations and businesses in Southport, Fairfield and Bridgeport,” said Andrea Ozyck, an organizer and spokesperson for SCNETI.
“The dramatic surge in community attendance at the evidentiary hearings has underscored a growing awareness and concern around this project,” added Ozyck. “It would send a powerful message to the Siting Council if this trend continues so I would encourage anyone who is troubled by the project to attend the next hearing on November 16th.” 

Instructions for public access to the November 16th hearing are here. 

Concerned local residents are also asked to write to the body charged with approving UI’s plan, the Connecticut Siting Council, at siting.council@ct.gov, attention Melanie Bachman, Exec. Director. Finally, those wishing to support SCNETI’s work are urged to donate athttps://givebutter.com/t2SH4L.

About SCNETI and Empowering Fairfield

Empowering Fairfield is a grassroots organization spearheaded by the Sasco Creek Neighbors Environmental Trust Inc. (SCNETI), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The organization’s mission is to preserve and protect the Fairfield/Southport community by opposing the current United Illuminating transmission line rebuild proposal, and advocating for alternative solutions that better meet the needs of our community.

For more information visit EmpoweringFairfield

 
F
Submitted by Fairfield, CT

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next