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Transmission-line routing worries gardeners as Three Oaks considers buying community garden parcel
Summary
Township action to accept a Village offer to buy the parcel containing the Community Garden may allow AEP to route a transmission line either through the open field or through the garden, a choice that could force relocation of garden beds and fence replacement, prompting calls for transparency from gardeners.
At the Sept. 9 meeting, Village President Richard Smith (speaking as a member of the public) told the Parks and Recreation Board that the Township Board planned to finalize acceptance of the Village’s offer to buy the parcel that includes the Community Garden. Smith said American Electric Power (AEP) is considering two possible transmission-line paths across that parcel: one through the middle of the open field and another through the garden itself.
Smith said the route through the garden would require moving the northern row of garden beds to the south and replacing the south fence. Brian Overley, an active Community Garden member, told the board gardeners were alarmed by limited information but understood the need to move lines if required; he "encouraged as much transparency as possible so all would know what is being considered and planned."
No formal decision about routing was made by the Parks and Recreation Board; Smith reported only that the Township Board was expected to finalize acceptance of the land purchase, after which more detailed discussions with AEP and the gardeners would continue.
