TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Brandon Area Residents Blast Plan For High-Voltage Lines

ADVERTISEMENT

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT, The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 6, 2008

Updated: 03/06/2008 05:47 am

BRANDON - Nearly 150 people packed the Embassy Suites ballroom Wednesday night to pummel plans to build a high-voltage power corridor that would loom above their homes.

Tampa Electric Co. wants to build the 230,000-volt lines along a 30-mile stretch, running from Mulberry along State Road 60 to just west of Dover Road, where it zigzags north and west toward Temple Terrace. Power poles up to 125 feet high would tower above roads and neighborhoods.

The Department of Environmental Protection held the hearing for public comment. TECO officials presented their plan to an administrative judge Tuesday and Wednesday.

Residents along the corridor are concerned about health, safety, property values and the environment.

"This is one of my neighbors," said Joy Ingram, showing slides of the bald eagles nesting near her home. "It seems to make a lot more sense to go to some of these routes ... that would avoid some of these wooded areas."

"I brought my eagles with me," Army Maj. John Pollard said, pointing to two young children. Pollard, who lives in Diamond Hill off Valrico Road, said he has researched electromagnetic fields. "What I can't do is ... look at my children in 15 to 20 years, with leukemia and tell them I didn't do anything about it."

Kelly Watson, whose 18-year-old brother has a seizure disorder, said putting the lines near her home would have devastating effects on him and on the natural environment surrounding the property off Jess Walden Road.

"I don't know if you've ever heard absolute silence before, but that's what it is there," said Watson, who suggested that the lines be built along U.S. 301 instead. "It's concrete. Don't destroy our homes, our bodies, our minds and our safety."

Several residents from the Somerset community in Valrico also spoke against the plan, saying it would lower property values of the 599 homeowners and be a health hazard to the neighborhood.

"My house backs up to the field where these lines would be," said Somerset resident Paul White. "The fields are completely open, and there is no way to mask or hide these poles. I can't imagine compensation TECO might offer ... for my loss of value."

TECO has other routes that would not disrupt single-family homes, some said, adding that TECO should run the line along S.R. 60, then north on U.S. 301.

"I suggest it come right down the middle of highway 60," said Carolyn Hull of Plant City. Property in her family since 1895 would be devalued by the power lines, she said. "And I understand cows will not reproduce under 230,000 volts of electricity."

Ultimately, a state-appointed judge will recommend to the governor and a siting committee whether to approve the selected route. The siting committee is expected to make a decision this summer.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at yhammett@tampatrib.com or (813) 657-4532.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT