The Connecticut Siting Council voted 5–3 on Thursday to turn down United Illuminating’s proposal to place tall transmission monopoles along roughly seven miles of the Metro-North rail line through Fairfield, Southport and Bridgeport.
Residents, businesses, religious organizations and advocacy groups in Fairfield and Bridgeport who fought the plan celebrated the decision.
“This is a tremendous win for Fairfield and Bridgeport, and for every resident who showed up, spoke up and worked tirelessly in opposition to a project that was damaging to the very foundations of our community,” said Fairfield First Selectman Christine Vitale in a statement.
In June, a preliminary 4–2 vote by the council signaled opposition to United Illuminating’s proposal. Three months later, a second straw poll shifted in the opposite direction, with members voting 6–2 in favor, a reversal that left the outcome of Thursday’s final vote uncertain.
“We are stunned by the change in the Siting Council’s decision with no explanation,” said Sarah Wall Fliotsos, UI spokesperson. “The public deserves to know what caused three members to change their votes and if they were improperly pressured,” adding that UI is “exploring all legal options that can be taken in response to this arbitrary and capricious vote.”
United Illuminating proposed installing new transmission monopoles along the Metro-North line, stretching from east of Sasco Creek in Fairfield to the Congress Street substation in Bridgeport. The company said the upgrades were needed to modernize the grid, strengthen reliability, and keep project costs and rates lower than if the lines were buried underground. Opponents countered that the plan would require more than 19 acres of permanent easements affecting homes, businesses, churches and historic properties.
In a statement, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said the council took into consideration concerns expressed by both the Bridgeport and Fairfield communities regarding economic development, protection of the environment as well as historic, cultural and religious properties.
“We are deeply appreciative of the Siting Council’s thoughtful and deliberate approach,” Ganim stated. “Their vote demonstrates respect for our residents, our partners in Fairfield, and the integrity of our neighborhoods. By choosing to reject the proposal, the Council has affirmed its commitment to responsible infrastructure planning and to finding equitable solutions that protect quality of life, foster economic growth, and preserve the character of our communities.”
The council’s final, binding vote on Thursday came after a two-year battle by Fairfield and Bridgeport against the transmission project. The municipalities had organized multiple rallies and filed a legal appeal in Superior Court, where a judge ruled that the council exceeded its statutory authority and violated principles of fundamental fairness by approving the project without giving affected property owners adequate notice and an opportunity to object.
