News Features

Duke Energy Line Project Could Cost Some Residents Land

    Could those tall utility poles being installed in Eustis be coming to Umatilla? Some area residents have raised a red flag this week after being notified by Duke Energy that the company is planning a line upgrade through the area, an upgrade that could include property owners being forced to give up property.
   Duke has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, May 29, to discuss the plan, which involves a project running from DeLand along CR 42 and appearing to take in sections of CR 450 NE, Baker Road, Roger Giles Road, West Ninth Avenue, Skyline Drive, Rose Street, CR 450 SE, and SR 19 before connecting to a substation on CR 44 north of Eustis.
   In a letter distributed by Duke Energy, officials say as part of the project they will be seeking new land rights in certain areas, which could involve the taking of property. In addition, pole upgrades are expected in certain areas where lines already exist.
   “Our goal is to minimize the overall potential impact on homes, businesses, the environment and cultural resources,” said project manager Wen Tong.
   What the lines may look like has not been revealed.
   The public will get a chance to learn more about the project at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 29. From 4:30-7 p.m. officials with Duke Energy will be at the First Baptist Church of Umatilla to discuss the project at several ‘stations’.
   The church is located at 550 Hatfield Drive in Umatilla.