Bullock Texas State History Museum
Steel Pole Blight
RECEIVED Fri., July 23, 2004
Dear Editor,
Huge 50-foot transmission poles are springing up within hours along Guadalupe Street, from 38th through 51st Street. There doesn't seem to have been any warning that these were coming. Within a few hours they appear as if by magic.
These red rust poles are a horrendous blight, cutting into the view of the sky over the trees and creating an ominous overcast in what were low-key neighborhoods. I came home one day to find one of these new poles installed directly in front of my apartment complex. I was astounded to learn that the property owner was not consulted in advance of this. It makes me wonder if the other businesses and residents down Guadalupe have also learned about these poles only after they're staring straight up at them.
Apparently this program began 10 years ago. An online June 2003 article from the trade journal Transmission & Distribution World says, "Austin Energy has found that the aesthetics of steel poles have been a major plus with customers in locations where residences and commercial business parks are concerned with curb appeal. Weathering steel poles work well as replacement poles in established neighborhoods because the poles blend in with the existing line."
I don't agree. The effect is more of utility clutter not fitting with our local cultural feel. Aside from visions of inquisitions and hanging cages for the treacherous that these poles inspire, there does seem to be a creeping trend to turn our pretty neighborhoods into industrial backwash.
I would ask Austin Energy how much investigation was done into underground alternatives? Other cities have been able to engineer this, why can't we? Can we still get rid of these towering monstrosities and invest in an underground utilities future? It would preserve the appeal of our still-pleasant Austin cityscapes.
Huge 50-foot transmission poles are springing up within hours along Guadalupe Street, from 38th through 51st Street. There doesn't seem to have been any warning that these were coming. Within a few hours they appear as if by magic.
These red rust poles are a horrendous blight, cutting into the view of the sky over the trees and creating an ominous overcast in what were low-key neighborhoods. I came home one day to find one of these new poles installed directly in front of my apartment complex. I was astounded to learn that the property owner was not consulted in advance of this. It makes me wonder if the other businesses and residents down Guadalupe have also learned about these poles only after they're staring straight up at them.
Apparently this program began 10 years ago. An online June 2003 article from the trade journal Transmission & Distribution World says, "Austin Energy has found that the aesthetics of steel poles have been a major plus with customers in locations where residences and commercial business parks are concerned with curb appeal. Weathering steel poles work well as replacement poles in established neighborhoods because the poles blend in with the existing line."
I don't agree. The effect is more of utility clutter not fitting with our local cultural feel. Aside from visions of inquisitions and hanging cages for the treacherous that these poles inspire, there does seem to be a creeping trend to turn our pretty neighborhoods into industrial backwash.
I would ask Austin Energy how much investigation was done into underground alternatives? Other cities have been able to engineer this, why can't we? Can we still get rid of these towering monstrosities and invest in an underground utilities future? It would preserve the appeal of our still-pleasant Austin cityscapes.
Patrick McCook
