PPL power line would destroy Sinking Spring golf course, owner says

by Steve Reinbrecht

Randy Robitzer said Monday that PPL Electric Utilities’ plans to build a 69,000-volt transmission line through Sinking Spring would destroy his golf course.

Village Greens Golf Course along Broad Street in Sinking Spring.

“It would virtually put me out of business.”

Robitzer owns and manages the 18-hole Village Greens Golf Course, which opened in 1969.

He “reluctantly” plans to meet with company officials this week.

PPL does not have easement rights for the proposed 1.3-mile line.

Borough officials are aghast at the power company’s plans, saying they would wreck their efforts to realign intersections, install new streets and build new shops and homes downtown.

PPL’s route would erase five holes along Broad Street, Robitzer said.

Besides possibly wrecking his business, the power line would squash his plans to sell the 32-acre parcel when he retires. The borough has approved plans for housing there.

The power line “will devalue my property and take away what I worked for my entire life.” “It’s really a hardship for us.”

He’d even lose his special “privately-owned private golf course club liquor license” if the course is shortened, he fears.

Map from PPL.

In a letter to Sinking Spring borough dated Sept. 9, Jessica Long, PPL regional affairs director, said the company has made a final decision on the route. Based in Allentown, the company has about 10 million customers and saw $7.7 billion in revenues last year.

The borough’s two representatives in Harrisburg – state Rep. Jim Cox and state Sen. David Argall – have opposed PPL’s plan.

No one from their offices returned calls Friday or Monday.