American Electric Power intends to construct a new substation on Wegee Road to replace this aging one at the intersection of 44th Street and Grand Avenue.

SHADYSIDE — American Electric Power responded Wednesday to public concerns voiced Monday about plans for a substation upgrade in the village.

There are no immediate plans for construction, and the utility intends to be in contact with village leaders and worried residents.

There was much speculation during Monday’s meeting of Shadyside Village Council, with a dozen residents present to voice opposition. They said more than 100 Shadyside residents share their concerns about AEP’s plan to acquire 2 acres of property on Wegee Road for the project.

The resident spokesman Monday said they feared both health effects from electromagnetic fields in the residential area, as well as the possibility of decreasing property values. The group asked council to draft a letter of opposition to AEP. Council members said they wished to learn more about AEP’s intentions.

According to a release from AEP, the utility is in the early planning stages of a project in the Shadyside area to upgrade the electric grid in order to improve reliability in the area.

AEP is investigating options for a new substation. An existing substation in the area of 44th Steet and Grand Avenue is nearing the end of its life.

At the earliest, construction would not begin before the end of 2022. Before plans are finalized, AEP will hold a public meeting to gather input from residents and answer any questions they might have.

Area residents will be notified directly once the meeting is scheduled. A spokesperson emailed that AEP welcomes the input of community residents and will schedule an open house to both review the project and receive any feedback.

Mayor Bob Newhart, whose brother, Tim Newhart, owns the property being considered for sale, said AEP has been invited to send a representative to the next council meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. May 24 at the municipal building at 50 E. 39th Street.