LaPorte County homeowner worries power line transmission project may take his property
LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. (WSBT) — A proposed transmission power line project stretching across multiple counties has one LaPorte County homeowner fighting to keep his land.
The homeowner received a letter warning his property could be impacted by this project. He said that he had no idea this was happening.
Joe Clemons was disheartened when he received a letter in the mail saying his property could be seized through eminent domain for a power line transmission project that he says would go straight through his yard.
WSBT
Clemons lives in a quiet neighborhood in Mill Creek. But a potential power line construction project could disrupt all of that.
He says he was shocked to receive a letter from “Indiana Property Rights,” a law firm specializing in landowner rights and eminent domain, making him aware his property is subject to be seized for the power line project.
“I’m just in shock. I believe you know, it’s for Amazon. It’s a high-tension lines I don’t understand why it needs to come through LaPorte County when there’s plenty of power in St. Joe County,” said Clemons.
A proposed transmission power line project stretching across multiple counties has one LaPorte County homeowner fighting to keep his land. (WSBT photo)
The letter stated that Wabash Valley Power Alliance may seek to take all or part of his property through eminent domain.
“The letter states that they want to run a high-tension line through my property. The word eminent domain means they’re gonna take it regardless,” said Clemons.
The 18- mile transmission line project, led by the Wabash Valley Power Alliance, connects two substations from St. Joseph County to LaPorte County.
A proposed transmission power line project stretching across multiple counties has one LaPorte County homeowner fighting to keep his land. (WSBT photo)
It’s meant to improve reliability for customers and strengthen the existing power grid.
WSBT previously reported on this project, asking officials if it’s related to the Amazon Data Center near New Carlisle, and they said it is not.
But Clemons said the attorney from Indiana Property Rights told him it does relate to the Amazon data center.
WSBT reached out to the attorney and did not receive a response. We also reached out to Amazon, and they said they are looking into it to confirm whether the projects are connected.
“You have to wait for their offer and if you don’t like their offer then you have to go fight them in court. There’s a lot of people here that love this little town and it’s just really heartbreaking,” said Clemons.
Clemons says he had no idea about this power project and is hoping to spread awareness to other neighbors, in case they could be the next to be impacted.