Public Responds to PSE&G Project

PSE&G held its fourth and final public information workshop on Thursday regarding its North Central Reliability Project that will require the installation of new monopoles and higher-voltage electrical lines from West Orange to Roseland, then down through Berkeley Heights to Edison.

The last workshop, which was held at L’Affaire Fine Catering in Mountainside, was intended for the public to give input and ask questions about the project.

Even after these informational sessions, PSE&G admits that it still has a long way to go before the project comes to fruition. The company will have to apply for the project’s approval with the Board of Public Utilities sometime in May.

“At this point, the project is at the beginning,” said PSE&G spokesperson Bonnie Sheppard “The workshop exists so people can come ask their questions, so our engineers and other professionals can listen to what they have to say, see where everyone’s needs can be accommodated, and take that into consideration as they prepare the application for filing with the BPU.”

Those on the inside of the project feel as if the public information sessions have gone well, as evidenced by the public surveys residents have filled out after being finished with their visit to the workshops.

“I think we were seeing the issues and questions we expected to see (such as the effect the project will have on property),” said Tom O’Neill, whose consulting firm is working with PSE&G on the project. “Overall, in terms of how people rated the workshop, it’s been very positive, which means that they’re getting the information.”

Some members of the public would agree with that notion, and feel that all of their questions were answered during the workshops.

“My basic concern was how it was going to impact my property, which is adjacent to the power lines,” said Ron Steinberg, a resident of Chatham Township. “They fully explained what they plan to do, how they plan to do it, and I’m very satisfied. I think we all need more power, so I’m pleased.”

Others, however, were not as satisfied, such as resident Lisa Chango, who wanted to know the numerical difference in the amount of electricity transferred between the old lines and the proposed new ones.

“One of the main things I came here to find out today they don’t know yet, so I’m a little frustrated that I came here and they don’t really have it,” said Chango. “I feel like they had this big meeting, but they don’t have all the information yet.”

There are also residents who are concerned not only about the aesthetic appearance of the new monopoles, which are expected to be 35 feet taller than the current ones, but the effect the installation of new lines would have on property values.

“It’s a horrible idea. It’s going to reduce property values across the entire region,” said local resident Dave Barry. “The poles are 35 feet higher, which makes them more conspicuous and uglier. In the case of my property, it looks like the new tower, because of some marsh land, will be placed right behind my house, so I am not happy about this at all.”