Freehold Supports JCPL's Power Line Plan

FREEHOLD, NJ - In a surprise move, the Freehold Borough Council announced last week they are supporting JCP&L's extremely controversial power line plan in Monmouth County, known as the Monmouth County Reliability Project.

Freehold Mayor Nolan Higgins said the new power line would serve as as much-needed backup in Freehold, which lost power for days after hurricanes Sandy, Irene and a July 2012 storm, the Asbury Park Press reported.

"We’ve been asking for backup and they’ve been responsive to us," Higgins said of JCP&L. Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli came out in support of the project last year as well. That's Freehold Mayor Nolan Higgins, pictured above.

The Monmouth County Reliability Project will consist of very tall, 210-foot power lines following the North Jersey Coast rail tracks from Aberdeen to Red Bank, which will cut through the backyards of many homes in Middletown, Hazlet and Holmdel. The power lines would not run through Freehold. Freehold would, however, reap the benefits of improved electric service.

In fact, Freehold Council President George Schnurr defended the route, saying JCP&L studied 17 possible paths for the lines before picking the current route.

"They didn't just pick this willy-nilly," he said.

There will be a massive public hearing this Wednesday, Jan. 25 on the Monmouth County Reliability Project at 7 p.m. at Middletown North high school. The Wednesday meeting is the public's final chance to come out and speak either for or against project. Speakers will have their opinions heard by a judge who will make a recommendation on the matter to the state. Read more: Very Important Public Hearing Jan. 25 on Monmouth County Reliability Project