HICKORY CORNERS - More than 20 area residents, whose properties will be affected by the installation of a high-tension power line, near here, raised their objections while testifying under oath during a public hearing on eminent domain filings by PPL Wednesday.
The several-hour long legal proceeding in the Hickory Corners and Community Fire Company banquet room was sponsored by members of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and led by Judge Joel Cheskis, who at times had to remind the public that the meeting was not about the route of the 11-mile-long line that will travel through Snyder, Juniata and lower Northumberland counties, but the eminent domain filings.
PPL has reached a financial settlement with 45 of 54 residents who own the land where the line is slated to travel.
Although PPL representatives were present, they did not testify at Wednesday's meeting.
Dozens of residents expressed concerns over the impact on eagle habitats and decline of property values, and questioned PPL's data collection methods and motives behind the installation of the line.
PPL had previously stated the line would strengthen the local electric system by decreasing the number and duration of power outages experienced by residents in that area.
Wednesday's gathering follows a meeting sponsored by PPL in March 2010, when many of the same residents expressed anger and frustration over the project. Their feelings carried into Wednesday's meeting, and some of the residents applauded every negative statement made at PPL.
Herndon resident Ken Maurer, who described himself as a fishing guide, said there would be a loss of habitat and the line would scar the land.
"We are in what's called a restored area of eagle habitat," he said. "A power line can only negatively affect this."
Earl Ferry, of Port Trevorton, who is a self-employed greenhouse grower, said past meetings that he attended with PPL over the line have led him to mistrust the company.
"PPL has turned their back on the agricultural community," he said. "You all had a good dinner tonight, remember where your food came from."
PPL spokesman Paul Wirth said after the meeting that the public comments, though negative, are an important part of the process.
"We understand their concerns when a line like this is going in, but this will improve service to not only the people in this room, but to tens of thousands of people in the region," he said. "We are still open to an amicable settlement, instead of having to go to court."