A landmark South End church was the rallying point Sunday afternoon for Fairfield and Bridgeport residents who want a proposed $300 million United Illuminating Co. power line project to be buried underground instead of strung across 7.3 miles through residential backyards as well as religious and commercial properties. About 180 people filled the sanctuary of the Shiloh Baptist Church in a sometimes rowdy secular revival meeting, concerned that if the Connecticut Siting Council approves the plan later this month and its 102 towers – called monopoles – UI could force the take over of more than 19 acres of property from historic Southport east into Bridgeport’s South End and downtown. While residents and advocates have spoke about fears of buildings being demolished, UI has previously stated it does not have plans to take people’s homes nor demolishing them. Instead, it is looking for easements. Ganim described UI officials as less-than polite during an attempt by the city and town to persuade UI to bury the 115 kV line. “The city’s not going to get stepped on, rolled over, pushed aside,” said Ganim, pointing to recent burying of similar high-voltage lines in Stamford and Greenwich.

https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/politics/article/monopoles-fairfield-bridgeport-ui-21085717.php