Growth in northern Johnston County has prompted the need for a new electrical substation. Johnston County Commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning petition needed for the new substation for Wake Electric Membership Corporation.
Chris Wright with Wake Electric told commissioners electrical demand from the growing community requires a new substation for the area. The substation will be built in the 2000 block of Feed Mill Road, Kenly just off Highway 42 in O’Neals Township. After the new substation is completed an existing Wake Electric substation on Highway 39 at the Little River will be decommissioned.
Thomas Gunshinan, who lives nearby, said he was not opposed to the substation but wanted to make sure there would be an adequate landscaping buffer around the site. Mr. Gunshinan told commissioners he rather see an electrical substation in his neighborhood instead of more houses or a mobile home park.
Commissioners approved the petition by Wake Electric on several conditions including a landscaping buffer, eight foot screened fence, and a detailed site plan for review and approval by the planning and zoning staff.
