KINGSVILLE, MD—Members of the historical community of Kingsville in Baltimore County are leading the opposition to BGE’s proposed Brandon Shores Mitigation Project, which plans to install a second set of high-voltage power lines through historic neighborhoods and environmentally sensitive areas in Harford, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties.
“This project threatens Maryland’s character, safety, and financial well-being,” reads a press release from the No More Power Lines community group. “More than 200 properties within one mile of the proposed power lines are listed in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties, and 11 are on the National Register of Historic Places. The project intersects the Gunpowder Falls State Park, runs through the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, and lies within one mile of the Fallston Airport. According to the PPRP report from the Department of Natural Resources, major concerns include soil erosion, sediment control, water pollution, habitat disruption and disturbance of invasive species. The new set of lines will also be taller than the current towers which will pollute the aesthetics of the scenic landscapes and views in these rural neighborhoods.”
In August 2024, one month after BGE filed the CPCN application, the Baltimore County Council unanimously passed Resolution 37-24, which encouraged BGE to lessen the impacts of the project on affected communities and residential neighborhoods, and to bury transmission lines underground where feasible, especially in park land and in rural areas that could act as wildfire corridors. “However, BGE made no effort to change the project,” the press release states. “According to WildfireRisk.org, 99% of homes in Kingsville are at direct risk of ignition from wildfires. A landmark historic home in the area was lost to a devastating fire in 2020 because Kingsville has no access to public water.”
Councilman David Marks introduced Resolution 21-25 to the Baltimore County Council on April 7th, and he stated, “I am asking that Baltimore County oppose this transmission project as it has other efforts to increase electrification in rural communities. Since the Council adopted its previous resolution on the Brandon Shores Retirement Mitigation Project, there has been little to no progress to addressing many of the concerns raised by neighborhoods affected by this proposal.”
Community leaders say the project threatens to add even more cost onto ratepayers in the midst of soaring utility prices. They say the project has doubled in price since it was first announced in 2024 totaling $1.6 billion.
“Firmly convinced that this project violates the Maryland Public Utility Companies Code Ann. 7-207, Kingsville citizens stand united against these unnecessary power lines and encourage members of the public to testify at the PSC Hearing on April 23rd at the (White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company),” states the press release. “No More Power Lines is hosting a community meeting on April 15th at 6PM at the Odd Fellows Hall (7801 Bradshaw Road) to update the local community on the project and hear updates from elected officials.”
Photo via Pixabay
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