What: Plan to move transmission and distribution lines into one easement on university property along Harden Street between the railroad bridge and Sly Avenue, enabling a wider multimodal sidewalk, streetlights and larger shade trees.
Where it stands: Presented at the 2026-10-06 work session; council asked staff to explore burying distribution lines, better treatment of transmission poles and landscaping in the buffer.
Next: Public input meeting on 2026-10-13 at 6 p.m. at Drew Wellness Center, with refined options.
University architect presented the plan; council raised concerns that the 70-foot buffer and remaining poles could constrain adjacent development; distribution lines might be buried but transmission lines generally cannot; cost and options to be investigated with the utility.