NORWICH – Studies vary on the impact of power lines on nearby property values, according to local experts and a report in New York Regional Interconnect’s latest application filing.
While some studies cited in the NYRI report claim that transmission lines have little to no effect on home sales, which drive property values, others in that same report indicate there could be a significant decrease – in some cases between 2 and 10 percent – depending on how close the house is.
The filing is currently being reviewed by the state’s Public Service Commission under what’s known as Article VII, the power line permit review process. In one section, it claims the nearby Marcy-South power line did not have a “significant” impact on property values.
Prepared by an engineering firm hired by NYRI, the report eventually concludes that, “In short, most studies conclude proximity to a HVTL (High Voltage Transmission Line) per se does not necessarily lead to a drop in the value of surrounding properties.”
David Adams, one of three assessors for the Town of Norwich, believes that a high voltage line like NYRI’s could negatively impact home values in certain instances.
“It depends what kind of line it is. A high voltage line like that, if it runs down the middle of your property, typically knocks off about 30 percent,” said Adams, basing that assertion on information he’s gathered from state assessor classes.
In the Town of Norwich, properties in the Warner Road housing development off Polkville Hill, which borders the NYRI right of way, could be hit the hardest, Adams said.
“Those people have some concerns,” he said. “Theirs are the most legitimate concerns.”
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