Georgia Power is shocking homeowners with a plan to build a transmission line through historic Decatur, Scottdale

DECATUR, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Families in one of metro Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods are searching for answers after learning that Georgia Power plans to build a 115 kV transmission line through some properties.

“For a 25-foot swath, they will cut down every single tree that comes down in this area,” said Andrew Rutledge, a resident of historic Decatur.

Georgia Power’s Scottdale Transmission Line Project will replace a 60-year-old line between Scottdale and Decatur. Project leaders say they plan to run the route from Scottdale along Annie Street to East Ponce de Leon Avenue, down Sycamore Street and along East College Avenue to the Decatur substation next to Trackside Tavern.

“Our team is very thoughtful when it comes to planning projects of this scale and complexity,” said Misty Fernandez, Atlanta region general manager for Georgia Power.

Residents feel the decision was made without their knowledge or consent.

“Under the management, so to speak,” Rutledge joked.

“This will run through the back of my residential property. We had no control over it,” said Scottdale resident Eddie Towson.

The move surprised even the city and DeKalb County.

“The city’s responsibility is to protect residents and their property,” said Decatur City Manager Andrea Arnold.

Arnold says Decatur city leaders met with Georgia Power leaders Monday to talk about alternative routes for the line.

“They have listened to our concerns and are willing to pause the Decatur portion of the project so that Georgia Power and city staff can sit down and talk about possible alternatives,” Arnold said.

As the day progressed, people stopped to look at signs indicating a meeting with Georgia Power on Tuesday evening. Many said it was the first time they had heard of the construction.

“I was on my walk today and I saw the signs on the side of the road,” said Jordan Brown, who added he is not against the transmission line as long as it doesn’t come at the expense of trees or houses.

Georgia Power executives say no final decision has been made on the project.

“The purpose of this evening’s meeting is to take what we have drafted over several years and to include the public’s opinion on it. Because the stakeholder, the community engagement, is very important to us,” said Fernandez.

Some people had no idea there would be construction until Georgia Power showed up to buy their land.

“The great thing about Georgia Power is not only that they can do whatever they want, but they also try to bully everyone they meet,” Rutledge said.

Janie Thompson has lived in historic Decatur since the early 1980s. Named after its first owner, it is called – no joke – “Death House”.

“The poor man was called Harry Death,” Thompson said.

The death house was originally located about a quarter mile away in what is now Sycamore Park. Only the steps remain. The house was moved to its current location in one piece to make room for the MARTA line.

Now it could be in Georgia Power’s crosshairs. Current renderings show the line running through part of Thompson’s yard.

“I would look for another alternative,” Thompson said. “I don’t want people to go without electricity, but come on!”

“We will have a few more public information meetings,” Fernandez said. “We will have more meetings with city leadership and community leaders. We will also offer our customers other ways to engage with us and contribute.”

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