Politics & Government

Aronsohn Asks PSEG to Stop Controversial Project Until 'Issues are Resolved'

PSEG forum scheduled for Wednesday likely won't address all outstanding issues, according to Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn.

Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn is asking that PSEG not act on installing 65-foot-tall utility poles running 69K volts of electricity even after it holds its forum with residents this week.

"There are too many outstanding issues, and my strong sense is that they will not be resolved in the context of this forum," Aronsohn wrote in a letter to PSEG public affairs rep Dave Hollenbeck on July 23. "Rather, I would like you and/or another PSEG representative to come before the Village Council to specifically and publicly address issues and questions raised by the Council and residents."

According to Aronsohn, the utility must resolve: 

  • when the poles were first installed;
  • when/how they notified residents;
  • when permits were applied for and received; 
  • how the Ridgewood "component" of the plan was determined;
  • other proposals considered;
  • why the project isn't going through the right-of-way;
  • why the issues wasn't raised during the March 27 meeting
  • if there are any dangers with high voltage lines
  • safety implications of taller poles by homes;
  • benefits of the plan, particularly for residents nearby
In statements to media, PSEG has maintained that there are no dangers associated with the plan, which runs high-voltage transmission wires from a substation in Fair Lawn to another in Paramus as part of a federal interstate project.

The utility says the substations will be upgraded as a result of the project, claiming that the poles themselves are also stronger.

Residents along Hope Street in Spring Avenue aren't buying it. They formed an opposition group (ICARE) to fight PSEG, alleging the process was unlawful and could put their lives at danger. Others in recent weeks have expressed worry over lowered property values and compromised aesthetics.

There are 78 poles planned for Ridgewood, running along Maple Avenue, Spring Avenue, Hope Street and East Ridgewood Avenue, eventually meeting at the Fashion Center in Paramus.

It's unclear if Ridgewood can legally stop the project, which PSEG temporarily halted amid concerns last week. No complaints were received by residents in Fair Lawn and Glen Rock, according to local officials.

The PSEG forum on Wednesday, July 31 begins at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.


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