During a recent government meeting, local farmer Mark McTaggart voiced strong opposition to a proposed alternate route for an Ameren powerline, which has historically run along 1700 North Road in Gilman, Illinois. McTaggart, who relies on his farm for his livelihood, expressed concerns that the new route, promoted by his brother Keith McTaggart and Rolf Jamis, would disrupt agricultural land and violate county building guidelines.

McTaggart highlighted that the alternate route would place powerlines in the middle of existing farms, affecting not only his property but also those of neighboring farmers. He argued that this would lead to a loss of revenue for landowners due to the disruption of farmland and potential loss of tillable land. He noted that while proponents of the alternate route claim it affects only four homes, in reality, 32 homes and seven businesses would be closer to the new route, with some locations less than 200 feet away.

Additionally, McTaggart pointed out that the alternate route would be over three miles longer than the existing path along 1700 North Road, raising concerns about efficiency and environmental impact. He suggested that electromagnetic shielding materials be considered to protect residents from potential radiation exposure associated with powerlines.

The discussion reflects ongoing tensions between infrastructure development and agricultural interests in the region, as community members seek to balance modernization with the preservation of their livelihoods.