News Summary
Residents of Atlanta’s Howell Station neighborhood are raising alarms over the proposed construction of high-voltage power lines near their homes. They voice concerns about possible health risks, environmental impacts, and potential declines in property values. The project, initiated by Georgia Power, aims to extend the power grid between local substations, but community members are advocating for a reroute or alternative solutions. Recent efforts to engage with Georgia Power reflect the community’s determination to protect their neighborhood’s well-being.
Atlanta – Residents of the Howell Station neighborhood are voicing serious concerns regarding the construction of high-voltage power lines planned near their homes. The community claims that the presence of these power lines poses significant health, safety, and environmental risks. This situation is prompting residents to take action in the hopes of changing the outcome of the project.
Recent plans revealed that Georgia Power intends to extend its power grid between two substations that are approximately half a mile apart, which will involve the use of about 2.5 acres of land near the Fulton County Jail. This land easement agreement was approved by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in March and includes a payment of about $3.5 million to Fulton County for access to the property.
Community members worry that the power lines are being installed to cater to the energy demands of QTS, a large data center located next to their neighborhood and the jail. Residents of Howell Station, which consists of around 330 homes, fear that the installation of the power lines will negatively impact property values.
Health and Safety Concerns
Residents have expressed specific worries related to the potential health risks associated with living in close proximity to high-voltage power lines. Additionally, concerns extend to environmental issues, including the significant tree removal expected at the Foster Place green space if the project proceeds. Losing these trees may expose the area to public safety threats, particularly given the neighborhood’s closeness to a jail.
Community Action
Sabrina Cown, a resident of Howell Station, indicated that the neighborhood felt they lacked sufficient bargaining power, primarily due to their location sandwiched between two substations. In response, the Historic Howell Station Neighborhood Association has plans to convene with officials from Georgia Power. Their goal is to request a rerouting of the proposed power lines, along with exploring alternatives such as burying the lines to minimize community impact.
Residents have reported that they were not consulted prior to the approval of the land easement agreement, which was surprising considering county documentation claimed that “no issues or concerns have been identified” from the community. This lack of communication has sparked frustration and anger among Howell Station residents.
Ongoing Dialogues with Georgia Power
In light of the situation, Georgia Power has acknowledged the community’s concerns and is committed to minimizing disruption. The company has paused all tree-clearing activities necessary for power line construction until further discussions can take place with the residents. A spokesperson from Georgia Power confirmed they would be collaborating with the neighborhood association to address the residents’ concerns during an upcoming community meeting.
Next Steps for Residents
In the wake of the growing concerns in Howell Station, residents are actively preparing to express their opinions and propose alternative solutions at the upcoming meetings with Georgia Power. The efforts made by the community highlight their determination to voice their issues and seek a resolution that prioritizes their health, safety, and the environment.
As these discussions unfold, the residents of Howell Station are hopeful that their collective voices will lead to a reevaluation of the proposed power line project and potential changes to better suit the well-being of their neighborhood.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Power lines
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: power lines health effects
- Hoodline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: environmental issue
- WSB TV
- Google News: Georgia Power community concerns
- PR Newswire
