News

Saluda sets rally on power line

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 20, 2015

Saluda, NC—A group of citizens in Saluda directly impacted by the proposed Duke Energy transmission lines has organized a community meeting to educate Saluda citizens on how the project will affect them and the Saluda economy, environment and property values.

The community meeting will be 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Saluda Fire & Rescue on Walnut Street.

Volunteers will be on hand with maps and computer stations to help Saluda citizens who do not have access to internet service to see where the proposed lines are in relation to the homeowner’s properties. With the help of volunteers, you will be able to submit public comments to Duke Energy online. Tables with letter writing supplies, sample letters, and important official’s contact information will be available, and organizers will assist in letter writing and mailing of the letters. Packets will be distributed with factual information and comment forms for citizens to share with neighbors, family, and friends. Informative people who have been studying this plan will be on hand to answer questions.

“Duke Energy is taking public comments until August 31 so we need to get everyone in Saluda on board and reach out to Duke by then," said Shelley DeKay, one of the organizers. We want Duke to get a strong, unified message from all the constituents being adversely affected either directly or indirectly. We think this opportunity to gather at the fire department is a way to make sure all residents in Saluda have an opportunity to get a first-hand look in a welcoming environment at what this means to them and a chance to voice their opinions."

“For more than 114 years, my family has owned land in Saluda where one of the transmission lines is proposed," added Jeff Bradley. "We have farmed and raised families on this mountain land and enjoyed the peace and quiet for decades. If this line goes through our property, then my grandkids will never enjoy the peacefulness or the unspoiled country side of pastoral meadows and mountain ridges that I have because of the massive power lines that are proposed that will go right through my family’s land. People come to the mountains to escape from what is being proposed by Duke Energy and our mountains will not be a place to come to if visitors experience the same thing from where they are trying to get away. When they quit coming, it will affect our thriving downtown and we will see the value of our properties and quality of life decline."

Organizers invite everyone who needs a better understanding of the Duke Energy project and how the proposed lines will affect Saluda, to come to the fire department on August 25 at 6pm.

For more information, please contact Beth Carson at bethcarson151@gmail.com 828-749-1118.