Residents protest against plans for substation near their homes

JACKSON, Tenn. — May 1, residents of the Jacks Creek Cove neighborhood attended a meeting to express their concerns about a possible substation being built by Southwest Tennessee Electric near their neighborhood.

Representatives with Southwest declined interview but stated in the meeting their reasoning for choosing this specific location.

Representatives stated the location was in close proximity to the existing Tennessee Valley Authority transmission line, making the site an economical option.

During the meeting, residents expressed concerns about property value loss, noise pollution, and negative aesthetic impacts.

We spoke to Lauren Balius, who says she has a Masters of Science in Nursing degree.

She says she lives in the neighborhood affected, and is concerned for the health of children living near the substation.

“When we’re talking about the electrical substations, we’re talking about this non-ionizing e-m-f radiation specifically and long-term exposure for children, while the studies are conflicting and inconclusive, the world health organization, national institute of health, have all agreed precaution is of the utmost for these children,” said Balius.

We also spoke to Starla Teague, a resident of Jacks Creek Cove who told us how much work the neighborhood has put in to deter the substation from being built.

“My neighbors and I, we’ve put in the research time, the footwork on the ground. I know my neighbors have knocked on doors. We had a signed petition. We also had an online petition that’s gathered around 250 signatures at this point in addition to the handwritten signatures from local people who are directly affected in our neighborhood. So, we’re hoping that the power of the people will be heard,” said Teague.

In the meeting, the City Planning Commission voted 3 to 2 for a negative recommendation to the city council who will then vote on the matter.

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