Plan commission approves ATC substation expansion, asks company to consider taller screening and panel blending

The Mount Pleasant Plan Commission on April 15 recommended approval of American Transmission Company(ATC)'s application to expand a utility substation at 4707 County Trunk Highway H, while asking staff to request that ATC consider taller screening and color-matching when reusing wall panels.

Sam, village planning staff, told commissioners the expansion would push the substation roughly 65 feet north and would add equipment similar to what exists on site. Sam said the proposal complies with the comprehensive plan but did not meet the villageoutdoor-lighting code; staff recommended approval conditioned on either an amended lighting plan or written confirmation that lights will be used only in emergencies.

Committee member Nancy pressed for additional screening, saying "another 10 feet is another 10 feet when you're driving on the ground and you look up." Nancy moved to approve the site plan subject to staff recommendations and to include a request that ATC (1) consider permitting taller screening where feasible and (2) attempt to blend the color of any reused panels, including repainting if necessary. A commissioner seconded the motion and the commission voted to recommend approval.

Staff noted utilities are largely exempt from wall-height limitations by village ordinance amendments and that some equipment may still remain visible given its height. Commissioners discussed the limits of local authority over transmission infrastructure and agreed a request to ATC is appropriate even if not binding.

The commission forwarded the recommended approval and lighting condition to the village board. The item will appear on the board agenda for final action.