By Manny Grossman

In a ruling handed down on Aug. 22, the state Public Service Commission had sharp words for Con Edison, but failed to prevent the utility from thrusting its proposed power line through the heart of Riverdale and Kingsbridge.

The agency had been expected to rubber stamp Con Ed's application for a certificate allowing it to begin construction of its "M-29" transmission line. Instead, the PSC said "yes" and "no" to the project, recommending approval only after the utility makes substantial revisions to its Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP).

Explaining why the PSC ruled as it did, Chairwoman Patricia L. Acampora said, "The construction of the M-29 transmission line was deemed in the public interest because it will enhance Con Edison's ability to provide reliable power supply and improve the reliability of the transmission and distribution system by relieving overload conditions and increasing capability to import power into New York City."

"However," she added, "the commission also recognizes the significant issues about the project raised by citizens and businesses in the affected area, and therefore it has decided to impose necessary checks on the project that will help mitigate those real and important concerns."

When it was announced in 2006, the power line was met with nearly unanimous disapproval by elected officials and residents from affected communities in Yonkers, Riverdale and Manhattan. The City of Yonkers has continued to be one of the harshest critics of the EM&CP, insisting that it "fails to provide any specific detailed plan to address the serious concerns raised."

The concerns included issues pertaining to noise; traffic and public transit; impacts to police, fire and emergency services; and local commerce and business.

In the Bronx, Con Ed wants to run the power line from the Yonkers border down Riverdale Avenue, crossing the Henry Hudson Parkway at West 252nd Street, and continuing south on the parkway's eastern service road until it reconnects with Riverdale Avenue. From there it would continue south along Riverdale Avenue until West 230th Street, where it would run eastward until Broadway.