Press Mention Fox17 October 7, 2024
Topical Mention
Cheatham County homeowners outraged after TVA surveys properties prior to project approval
In this mention
Cheatham County homeowners are protesting TVA surveys of their properties for a transmission line project linked to a proposed methane gas plant that has not yet been approved. Homeowners claim the TVA violated due process by surveying their land despite pending objections and argue the project represents government overreach and environmental damage. State Senator Kerry Roberts stated the facility is unwanted in Cheatham County and suggested TVA look elsewhere.
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Cheatham County homeowners outraged after TVA surveys properties prior to project approval
byKaitlin Miller
Tue, October 8, 2024 at 9:35 PM
Updated Tue, October 8, 2024 at 9:35 PM
Cheatham County homeowners are outraged after the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) came out to survey their property for a transmission line project accompanying a new methane gas plant. (Photo: FOX 17 News)
CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — Cheatham County homeowners are outraged after the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) came out to survey their property for a transmission line project accompanying a new methane gas plant.
Homeowners point out that the project has not been approved yet.
The TVA was off Sweethome Road in Ashland City surveying land for a transmission line project that would be linked to a new methane gas plant.
This project, if it is approved, runs through a section of their property which is why the TVA is seeking an easement.
"We refused access in the beginning, and we were served papers and so now they're suing us," homeowner Jodi Bloodgood said.
Another community member Tracy O'Neill pointed out the court documents that say they had 21 days to submit an objection with the clerk of court.
The Bloodgood's and their neighbors the Harant's filed the objection with their attorneys, but this didn't stop the TVA from coming on their properties.
Both families believe this is a due process violation because they were never heard in front of a judge.
"This is government overreach in the most basic of forms," Heather Harant emphasized.
"They basically disregarded all of our property rights as property owners," Jodi Bloodgood added.
FOX 17 News reached out to the TVA for a statement:
"TVA filed condemnation proceedings related to potential transmission lines that TVA may locate on these properties, and the Federal Judge overseeing the cases issued Orders of Possession. These orders immediately authorize TVA to enter the properties for the purpose of conducting surveys. The landowners' objections do not bar TVA's authorization to access the properties pursuant to the court's orders, nor does authorization hinge on further activity in the lawsuits."
State Senator Kerry Roberts commented on this situation and said, "Based on constituent feedback this facility is neither wanted nor welcomed in Cheatham County. It seems to me that the best course of action is for the TVA is to look elsewhere."
Homeowners are frustrated.
"They want to put those high-power tension lines the great big steal towers and they want to cut 100-foot-wide easement through forest that has been here forever," Harant said.
Harant emphasizes it's an environmental disaster that she says will impact wildlife, trees will be taken down, and it will be loud for the neighborhood.
The community here in Cheatham County says that they will continue to fight against the TVA, and they say there will be a hearing in November.