Politics & Government
Ridgewood Filing Petition with BPU to Stop PSEG Project
Village officials are requesting the moratorium on the utility's effort to construct 65-foot-tall utility poles in residential neighborhoods continues until a final decision is rendered.
Having assessed its legal options, the Village of Ridgewood will formally be submitting paperwork to fight a controversial PSEG project, Mayor Paul Aronsohn said Thursday.
As part of its overall project to upgrade its substations, the utility began installing 65-foot-tall utility poles carrying 69KV lines. Residents along Spring Avenue and Hope Street protested the poles, claiming PSEG bypassed local processes. They also expressed concern over safety and aesthetics.
"The Council decided last night that we will file a petition today with the BPU, effectively asking for a review and hearing," Aronsohn said in an e-mail. "We will request that the BPU continue the moratorium through this process. Our expectation is that a BPU hearing would allow for Village and public input."
Village Attorney Matt Rogers said he could not immediately comment on the village's legal position.
Ridgewood has disputed that the power company had prior consent to construct the poles, claiming the 65-foot-tall poles are materially different than prior incarnations, ones hoisted up decades ago.
A lawyer for the utility last week said will likely spend a good chunk of change and doesn't have a legal leg to stand on.
Stay tuned for updates.
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