Meetings regarding downtown substation called off to 'address options'

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Duke Energy and the city of Asheville have canceled two community meetings regarding the power company's plans to rebuild a downtown substation.

In a news release, the city said the August 11 and August 22 meetings were called off to allow for "further consideration to address options and community input."

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The meetings centered around plans for Duke Energy to replace its substation located behind Harrah's Cherokee Center with another one across Rankin Avenue, on property that is now owned by the city.

The city says that the current substation is more than 50 years old and needs to be rebuilt. However, the plan has been criticized because an urban stand of trees sit on the proposed new location.

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Once options have been assessed, the city says Duke Energy will "evaluate additional opportunities for the public's input."