The meeting, which began at 6:33 PM, focused on the proposed relocation of JCPNL’s utility pole structure 189. This move is necessitated by Monmouth County’s impending expansion work on Corley’s Avenue bridge. Melissa Clark, an attorney representing JCPNL, opened the scoping hearing to gather input on the project, which is still in the pre-application phase for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program.

A detailed PowerPoint presentation was delivered to outline the project’s scope, including diagrams of the current and proposed pole locations. The new pole is intended to improve utility reliability and reduce outages and maintenance costs. Three alternative routes for the transmission line were considered, each presenting unique challenges and implications.

Alternative A proposed an underground route, which would require significant infrastructure changes and could lead to major traffic disruptions, particularly along Corley’s Avenue and nearby streets. This option posed environmental risks, such as frackout during horizontal directional drilling under Deal Lake, and a lengthy construction timeline of at least a year.

Alternative B suggested underbridge attachments on the Corley’s Avenue bridge. However, this option faced practical challenges due to ongoing bridge rehabilitation, necessitating temporary service outages for residents. It also required additional infrastructure similar to the underground option.

Alternative C, deemed potentially more feasible, involved rerouting the transmission line further north, impacting different parcels of land and necessitating a Green Acres diversion. This option, while more favorable, still faced scrutiny due to its environmental and community implications.

Discussions about tree removal revealed that six trees would be cut down, with plans to replace them per Deal Lake watershed regulations. A compensation plan for the parkland diversion, involving either a 4:1 land replacement or a 10:1 monetary compensation if suitable land cannot be found, is under negotiation between JCPNL and the township.

Public comments were encouraged, with a 14-day period extending until December 30, 2025, for residents to submit written remarks. Concerns were voiced about the project’s impact on the new bridge over Lake, described as narrow and dangerous. Residents also questioned the placement of poles relative to the bridge and the potential for poles on both sides or on the bridge itself.

Infrastructure resilience in extreme weather conditions was another significant topic. Participants emphasized the need for the project to withstand severe weather, citing recent tornado experiences in the area. Some advocated for burying transmission lines despite the higher initial cost, arguing it would enhance safety and aesthetics while reducing risks from extreme weather.

Requests were made for the alternatives analysis to be made available on the township’s website, although it was noted that formal materials would be prepared post-meeting for agency submission. The importance of clear communication and documentation was reiterated by multiple participants, who expressed frustration over the lack of detailed materials at this preliminary stage.

The dialogue emphasized the necessity of community engagement in the decision-making process and the importance of addressing resident concerns in future hearings and project developments.