Update: Collinsville Drive-In will not be condemned for PPL power line expansion: utility
An iconic drive-in along Route 74 in southern York County will not be condemned for a proposed upgrade to an existing power transmission line in a few years, PPL Electric said Friday afternoon.
The Collinsville Drive-In, a popular spot for sandwiches and ice cream, posted on Facebook that its building could be condemned for the project, saying the owners were not aware of that until a power company representative knocked on their door earlier this week.
"Is the community aware of this? What steps are being taken to fight for our properties, livelihood and small town?!," the post states.
But a spokesperson for the power company said Friday afternoon that condemnation is not a consideration for the eatery.
"We expect the drive-in will be able to carry on business as usual − just the way it has since 1962," Kelly Palmer said in an email.
The drive-in received a letter that explains in general the rights of landowners as well as the utility. It includes information about condemnation, even if it's not being considered for a particular property, Palmer said.
The drive-in later posted an update, clarifying that the eatery will not be taken by PPL Electric.
The drive-in is closed for the winter, and no one with the business could be reached for comment.
PPL Electric plans to upgrade the existing 230-kilovolt transmission line to 500 kilovolts from the state line to the Otter Creek Substation area. It also intends to install a new switchyard, which houses the electrical infrastructure, in Chanceford Township, according to the company.
The roughly $116 million project is intended to provide additional capacity to the electric grid and ensure reliability for customers in the future, the company says.
What's planned with the transmission line?
PPL Electric plans to rebuild the transmission line along the existing path with new poles that would be about 30 feet taller, according to a FAQ sheet. It will carry both the 230-kilovolt and the 500-kilovolt circuits.
The transmission line runs through Chanceford, Hopewell and East Hopewell townships.
The site for the new switchyard in Chanceford Township has yet to be determined, PPL said.
Work could begin in two years with the intent for the rebuilt transmission line to be in service by 2027.
Will property be taken for the project? Will eminent domain be used?
The company intends to expand the existing right-of-way by 25 feet on the western side of the existing route, the FAQ states. It would provide a total width of 175 feet.
The widening of the right-of-way will impact about 50 properties, Palmer said.
PPL Electric will need to purchase easements from property owners for the project, and it hopes to reach amicable settlements with them, the FAQ states. However, it will seek authorization with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to use eminent domain if needed.
If eminent domain is used, "PPL Electric pays the estimated just compensation as determined by a certified appraiser's fair market value analysis report," the FAQ states.
The company held an informational open house last month in Chanceford Township. About 30 people attended the meeting, Palmer said.
PPL Electric sent a post card and a letter to more than 100 residents who live in proximity to the transmission corridor about the open house. It also was advertised in the newspaper on Jan. 15.
The company also will be offering a virtual open house on its website in the coming days. It will provide ongoing updates on the project.
What's next?
PPL Electric is in the siting process and is working with landowners, townships, communities and stakeholders, Palmer said.
It will seek approval for the project from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Collinsville Drive-In will not be condemned for PPL power line project
