To the editor:
I am an abutting homeowner to the new substation being constructed on State St. in Presque Isle. The new substation that the legal representative of Maine Public Service said would increase the value of my home and my neighbors’ homes (by them purchasing a home that is in not so good shape, for a few thousand dollars more than what it was worth (this property was purchased in 2005 for $20,000, mine is worth $195,000). I am overly joyous at Maine Public Service looking out for me as a homeowner to purchase this home and build a new, noisy (24 hours, seven days per week, 365 days and nights a year) and visual eye sore substation within 15 feet of my property line to increase my property value — not!
I also attended the Presque Isle Zoning Board meeting to fight the special exemption allowing this new substation being built in our backyards and in the backyard of the entire city of Presque Isle. How can I say the entire city of Presque Isle? The fence line of the new substation will be within 25 to 30 feet of the Bike Path. Every citizen of Presque Isle that uses this beautiful Bike Path now will be walking by a noisy, 37-foot structure that will be “hidden by 4-8 foot shrubs or whatever is available at the time of construction”, stated by Mr. Lee of Maine Public Service. Also stated by Mr. Lee was “the noise level will be approximately 65 db” (doesn’t the zoning Board have to have facts and not approximates?).
Here are some facts about noise levels: 65 db = vacuum cleaner; 80 db = subway.
This electrical monster will be a visual distraction and noise pollution for the entire city of Presque Isle.
How can the Presque Isle Zoning Board allow such an intrusion to happen to our neighborhood, community and its citizens? The Zoning Board would not allow the football field because of noise (three months out of the year, not every day and night like the substation), they would not allow the substation to be built on Academy Street because of noise, visual distraction and the decrease of property values … but, they allow this intrusion to happen to our neighborhood. Brian Colton of the Presque Isle Zoning board said “It was already in our neighborhood” also “there is no proof that a property, i.e. home next to a substation will decrease in value”). Well Mr. Colton, first of all the substation was not in my backyard where it now will be and if it will not affect property value let them put it in your backyard so you can reap the benefits of this monstrous structure and listen to the hum 24 hours a day, 7 days and nights a week, 365 days a year, and don’t forget it will not affect your property value but increase it.
Every week I see the Presque Isle Zoning Board in the newspaper with negative feedback. Maybe it’s time to appoint new board members, as apparently this board is not looking out for the interests of the citizens of Presque Isle.
In closing I would encourage all residents of Presque Isle to call the City and ask why this noisy, 37-foot, visually distracting electrical monster (the only one in residential zoned neighborhood in the entire city) could not and is not constructed outside of a residential neighborhood, instead of in our backyards and right next to the bike path where so many people walk for a peaceful escape.
Presque Isle
