Officials call on UI to delay controversial monopole voting
If approved, the monopoles will run along the south side of the Metro-North railroad tracks.
Tensions are rising over a controversial transmission line project that could reshape parts of Fairfield and Bridgeport.
State and local leaders from Fairfield and Bridgeport gathered at the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport on Wednesday to voice strong opposition to United Illuminating’s proposed route.
If approved, the monopoles will run along the south side of the Metro-North railroad tracks.
Gov. Ned Lamont also weighed in, urging the Connecticut Siting Council to delay its final vote.
“I called on the Siting Council to give us a little bit of time,” he said. “Give Fairfield to get a little bit of time … look and see if there are any credible alternatives that make sure that we still have the capacity and reliability on the transmission system.”
Officials are worried about the economic and property impacts to historic neighborhoods, churches, small businesses and other sensitive areas along the proposed route.
“Having giant monopoles run through this city is concerning about the future of this city,” Fairfield First Selectwoman Christine Vitale said. “I wonder about what business will want to continue to be here and what businesses will want to come here in the future; I share that same concern for the small businesses in Fairfield that I know are going to be impacted.”
Officials called on UI to delay the voting to discuss potential alternate paths forward. The final vote on the monopole project by the Connecticut Siting Council is expected to be Thursday.
News 12 reached out to members of the Siting Council but has not yet heard back about whether it will table Thursday’s vote.
