I submitted my disapproval of the proposed TEP power lines. I slightly reworded
the narrative. I find it comical that if you were to send a hard copy, you are
required to submit 25 copies!
Regards,
Henry
I object to the line siting routes and the proposed overhead lines selected by
TEP as part of the Kino to DeMoss-Petrie Transmission Line Project for the
following reasons:
An overhead project along a gateway corridor, namely Kino and Campbell Avenue,
is expressly forbidden by Tucson city ordinances.
An overhead project conflicts with the UA Area Plan (UAP) and Plan Tucson, both
adopted plans governing the development and growth of the Tucson region.
Some affected neighborhoods are designated as a National Historic Districts and
two neighborhoods are Neighborhood Preservation Zones (NPZ’s). Citizens worked
for years to actuate these safeguards to protect the unique historic Tucson
neighborhoods.
The presence of residential neighborhoods adjacent to or directly within the
proposed route will lead to loss of property value. TEP cites studies that show
the devaluation of private property from overhead lines can reach 10% when
within 500-1,000ft of the proposed right-of-way.
Tucson values its unique character, vibrant city neighborhoods, and thoughtful
growth, as reflected in numerous development codes, ordinances, and area and
neighborhood plans and by scenic gateway routes such as Kino/Campbell. To allow
these massive overhead lines runs completely against these longstanding values.
The cost to TEP to underground is negligible, estimated to be 2/100th of the
most current 6.8 % rate increase, about 14cents/month per customer.
There has been strong disapproval from many neighborhoods of the selected route
since its initial proposal. A coalition comprised of nine neighborhoods and two
other interest groups, representing some 20,000+ residents, have formed an
alliance to protest the overhead lines.
One of the current “selected routes”, 1B, exiting the substation, is next to a
hospital, near churches, and a school, directly bisects a historic district –
the heart of a residential neighborhood, and runs right next to a longterm care
facility, all “sensitive receptors” as defined by TEP.
No neighborhood should bear the brunt of providing an upgraded electrical
system to the urban core, nor be expected to shoulder the enormous needs of
large entities, such as The University of Arizona, Banner Health, and other
organizations which continue to erect buildings and infrastructure in the
surrounding areas.
The latest, eleventh hour added “alternate route”-5A, was long ago rejected due
to the number of “sensitive receptors” and neighborhoods it would damage. The
exit route, A, proceeds right down a neighborhood street between homes. The
eleventh-hour community input meetings in August will be fraught with
controversy. TEP has not been consistent with its process.
For Tucson Electric Power to continue to insist on routes and overhead lines
that clearly have long-term injurious effects on many citizens and, ultimately,
to the entire city, is intolerable.
It is critical that the very real concerns of the literally thousands of
residents who will be affected by this project be taken into consideration.
It is imperative that the upgraded utilities be undergrounded to preserve the
unique character and charm of Tucson.
-----Original Message-----
From: DoNotReply@xxxxxxxx <DoNotReply@xxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2021 8:23 AM
To: henry.werchan@xxxxxxxxx
Subject: Public Comment
Henry Werchan,
Thank you. The Commission’s Utilities Division has received your comment for
review. It is the Commission’s objective to review comments as quickly as
possible.
This message was sent from an unmonitored email address. Please do not reply
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PublicComment.pdf
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