A planned electrical substation took another step forward July 29.
The Richmond Plat Committee unanimously approved a split of 5.5 acres from a 124.344-acre farm field at 6155 Hodgin Road. American Electric Power plans to build a substation on about 2 acres of the land, with the rest containing a driveway and retention pond.
Shannon Hayes, the city’s planning director, said the request is consistent with Richmond’s recent comprehensive plan update because it provides utility infrastructure for more reliable service. Gary Hahn of Wightman & Associates of Fort Wayne said the substation would connect American Electric Power and AES Ohio transmission lines, meeting a federal Department of Energy mandate.
On May 13, Richmond’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance of use for the land to permit the substation. Another electric substation sits across Hodgin Road from the site, which will be purchased from G McCormick Farm Services of Liberty.
A version of this article will appear in the August 5 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
