Westfield Files Motion To Stop PSE&G From Starting Controversial 69Kv Project Next Week

WESTFIELD, NJ — In a 'Hail Mary' attempt to try and stop PSE&G from starting its controversial 69KV power project through Westfield next week, the Town has filed a Stay application in Superior Court.

Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle said the Stay, filed on Thursday, is asking for more time to review project details.

The Stay was filed after PSE&G announced earlier this week that it would be moving forward with the 69KV power project through Westfield beginning next week.

In April 2022, PSE&G filed a lawsuit against the Town of Westfield over its General Ordinance No. 2022-04 — an ordinance that proposes installing poles, wires and wireless communication facilities within the town's "rights-of-way."

In June 2023, the courts ruled in favor of PSE&G in the litigation they filed against the Town.

"The Judge ruled that the Town does not have the right to impede a regional utility project, nor has any jurisdiction in directing the route or any other material specifics that impact their ability to complete the project," said Brindle.

The Town filed an appeal to this decision. Despite the appeal, PSE&G announced they would be moving forward with their project (which they have a right to do), said Town Administrator Jim Gildea said at the Aug. 15 Council meeting.

"Their decision to proceed in this manner before the legal process has fully transpired is disappointing. I believe that after decades of working collaboratively, we deserve better and that more time would allow us to ensure the most optimal outcome for our residents," said Brindle at the meeting.

In the eventuality, the stay is not granted PSE&G is planning to proceed with the project next week and affected residents should expect to receive letters from them in the next few days.

The project will replace roughly 142 existing poles in Westfield, all of which will be made of wood as the current poles are, ranging between 56 and 61 feet above ground (versus the existing 38-43 feet above ground).

The route through Westfield – along Central Avenue (from the Clark border to South Avenue), and on South Avenue (from Central Avenue into Scotch Plains), is part of a much larger route that extends from Union Township to Scotch Plains.

The project is expected to take about nine months to complete.

According to PSE&G, the proposed electric reliability project in Westfield is part of a statewide plan to upgrade its infrastructure to ensure that the utility can meet the needs of customers today and well into the future. By installing stronger poles and state-of-the-art wires and other equipment, PSE&G has been upgrading its electric system throughout the state to withstand increasingly damaging storms due to climate change and to meet the demand for electricity.

Residents can find the route map, resident notification letter, and FAQs on Wstfield's website at westfieldnj.gov/PSEG-69KV.

• See Related: Westfield Mayor: PSE&G 69Kv Project 'Not Happening' As Proposed
• Related: Westfield Faces Lawsuit From PSE&G Over Wireless Cell Towers

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