The Associated Press

Monday, July 5, 2004

Sturgeon Bay -- In a peaceful section of booming Door County, sparks are flying over the best route for a power-line extension to a new subdivision.

On scenic Door Bluff Road, Wisconsin Public Service has a permit from the state Public Service Commission to build a power line from the west that would destroy 20 to 30 small and medium-sized trees and a couple of large ones.

The compromise, and the dispute surrounding it, has raised strong emotions about protecting a rural road's beauty. WPS said it has adhered to state regulations.

The fray started last year after Carole Maronek and her husband, Tim, received notice that WPS wanted to clear-cut 180 small trees near their house, at a cost of $13,437.

The Maroneks started looking around for alternate routes. Neighbors rallied and came up with an alternate plan that would zigzag into the subdivision from the east.

The power company agreed, in writing, to the alternate plan if the difference in cost -- $1,890 -- was raised privately.

The Maroneks had the money in two weeks, WPS took it and agreed to the new route, which would cut down the 20 to 30 trees.

But a neighbor to the east, William Massey, objected, and the compromise is now on shaky ground.

Massey said the Maroneks' plan would destroy bigger trees and runs contrary to state regulations requiring the cheapest, most direct route with the least environmental damage.

Then came a third alternative, called Option C.

The company went back to the Maroneks' side of the subdivision and designed a zigzagging route that would take out 20 to 30 trees. The Public Service Commission agreed to Option C.

"We are very disappointed in the power company and the commission," said Carole Maronek. "We're trying to preserve the canopy and the character of the road."

WPS design methods supervisor Rachelle Bissing said the company followed rules about choosing the most cost-effective and least environmentally damaging option for providing electrical service.

The Maroneks and their friends said they're glad the original plan for clear-cutting was dumped, but they're mystified at Massey's success.

He said he doesn't much care which side of the road the trees come from.

Both sides have hired attorneys, and the Maroneks have asked for a second public hearing before the commission, which meets on Wednesday.

The commission ordered WPS to return the Maroneks' money.