Opposition Grows In Fairfield To Proposed UI Rail Transmission Line

FAIRFIELD, CT — A proposal by United Illuminating to build a new railroad power line through Fairfield will be the subject of a public informational meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the auditorium at Fairfield Warde High School.

Under the plan, UI would build new "transmission lines along the 25 miles of the Metro North Railroad(MNR) corridor between Fairfield and West Haven" designed to improve the reliability and "structural integrity" of the power lines, according to the utility company.

Additionally, those lines would be strung along new poles, many of which would rise more than 100 feet in the air. Also, the project would require extensive tree cutting and trimming, among other applications.

"I think many people feel they were caught by surprise regarding the UI plan," Don Hyman, a Fairfield resident with reservations about the project, told Patch. "As [residents] get to learn more, they have questions about the eminent domain implications for this construction and what it means for businesses, residential properties and the environment in general."

As a result, a grassroots group, Sasco Creek Neighbors Environmental Trust, Inc., was created in opposition to the plan. The group held its own informational meeting about the project over the weekend; see the flyer from that meeting below.

"We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve Fairfield/Southport's rich historical heritage and charm, protect our environment, and safeguard property rights, health, and safety by opposing the current United Illuminating transmission line rebuild proposal, advocating instead for alternative solutions that better meet the needs of our community," SCNETI officials wrote on its website.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, who called for Wednesday's meeting with UI, said in a letter to residents that UI and the town are working together to "identify problematic areas" in the proposal. Kupchick's letter also includes previous information on the project from the town.

"In August, I became aware the Town was able to apply to be an intervenor," Kupchick wrote. "Upon learning this information I retained outside legal counsel for the town who applied for and received official intervenor status joining members of our community who have also applied for intervenor status.

"As I shared in prior newsletters, intervenor status allows the Town to provide expert testimony, and in essence fight against this proposal. We have met with the attorneys for the other intervenors representing interested neighbors and businesses in town, and we are working together. We also applied for and were granted an additional hearing before the State Siting Council which will take place in November.

"I have walked some of the areas with neighbors to see the real impact on their property and have been in constant communication with the other intervenors.

"Last week members of the state delegation and I met with UI's President Frank Reynolds as well as their project team. UI has agreed to work with the Town to identify problematic areas in UI's proposal."

— Flyer via Sasco Creek Neighbors Environmental Trust Inc.