Power Siting Board Rejects Downtown Power Line Plan

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Ohio Power Siting Board has rejected a proposal by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy to erect six miles of transmission line through downtown Youngstown.

FirstEnergy proposed the line to improve reliability of electric service to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

The proposed path – along the riverfront area where millions of dollars have been spent on local assets including the Covelli Centre, Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater and Wean Park, drew opposition from local stakeholders, who mounted a campaign to lobby the state board to reject the plan.

Those voicing opposition to the plan included local, state and federal elected officials, downtown business owners, local organizations and citizens who submitted hundreds of post cards and letters in opposition.

Following the vote, Jenifer French, chairwoman of the board, called on FirstEnergy to work with local stakeholders to develop a new plan.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.