Letters Suggest Land Might Be Taken For Power Lines; Progress Denies It

By Laura Kinsler, Tampa Tribune, Fla.

Jul. 8–TAMPA PALMS — Form letters from a Tampa law firm specializing in eminent domain issues are causing a stir in Tampa Palms and other neighborhoods along the proposed route of Progress Energy’s new high-power transmission lines.

The letter warns property owners along the power line easement that Progress Energy “has indicated that your land may be taken for the construction of its new electrical transmission lines in Hillsborough County.”

Its author, lawyer Cary Gaylord, said the letter was sent to “people we thought could be at risk” of losing land to the power company. Progress Energy released the preliminary route in late May. It follows existing power line easements.

“They’ve said they might have to take an additional 50 feet,” Gaylord said.

Progress Energy spokeswoman Cherie Jacobs said the power company has no plans to gobble up anyone’s home or yard in Tampa Palms, Northdale or any other community in Hillsborough County.

“We do not need to expand our right of way in any of the heavily populated areas of Hillsborough County,” Jacobs said. “We have 100 feet of right of way in Tampa Palms; that’s sufficient.”

The power company will hold open houses in the fall with more detailed information, she said.

Tampa Palms resident Jim Hampson forwarded the letter to the property owners association and community development district. He said all of his neighbors who live along the easement received a copy.

“I went to all of the public meetings and nowhere did anyone from Progress Energy say anything about needing more right of way,” he said. “This letter came across to me like a scare tactic.”

Gene Field, chairman of the Tampa Palms CDD, agreed. “It reminded me an awful lot of ambulance chasing,” Field said.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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