A Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals decision could result in increased reliability for some Indiana and Ohio electric customers.
The board approved 3-0 a variance of use that permits an electrical substation in a 5 1/2-acre portion of farmland at 6155 Hodgin Road. The substation would contain equipment that connects American Electric Power and AES Ohio transmission lines. Lee Petcu, energy section leader for Wightman & Associates in Fort Wayne, said the equipment would enable switching between the providers if one encounters a problem.
“The substation is part of a larger master plan to increase reliability and meet increased demand for electricity in Richmond, Wayne County and into Ohio,” Petcu said.
The federal Department of Energy mandates electric providers connect through switches, Petcu said.
About 2 acres on the northeast corner of the 124-acre farm would have fenced-in equipment. The rest of the 5 1/2 acres, which American Electric Power will purchase from G McCormick Farm Services of Liberty, will contain a drive and a retention pond.
Petcu said the land provides the optimal location for the switching equipment because it’s near a substation across the road and transmission lines. The nearest residence is 1,200 feet away.
Neighbor Glen Browning, who lives in a wooded area east of the farm, opposed the petition. He and his wife, Angela, put everything into their retirement home and think a substation will severely hurt their property’s value, he said. Browning also expressed concerns about noise, lighting and traffic.
American Electric Power is required to work with the city planning and zoning department to provide an adequate landscaping barrier.
The board also approved 3-0 a variance of development standards reducing the minimum front-yard setback from 75 feet to 25 feet at 3000 Showalter Road. Barry Smith plans to build a home on the land.
The Showalter Road right of way encroaches farther into the front of the property than normal, and the property drops off toward the rear. The planned home location is in line with 15 other Showalter Road homes that do not meet the setback requirement, Smith said.
A version of this article appeared in the May 20 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
