FirstEnergy will have to go back to the drawing board with their plans to put power lines near the amphitheater in Downtown Youngstown.

The Ohio Power Siting Board rejected FirstEnergy's proposed Lincoln Park Riverbend 138 kV Transmission Line Project during a meeting Thursday afternoon. The meeting lasted less than 10 minutes.

The board noted that the proposed project could not demonstrate that the project meets the "public interest, convenience, and necessity" as required by Ohio law.

Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown attended the meeting and addressed the members of the board after the decision.

"On behalf of the citizens I represent in Youngstown, Ohio, we appreciate you for your consideration for this proposed denial today," said Brown. "From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for considering what you did today. You don't realize how important this is."

The 6-mile long 138-kilovolt transmission line was proposed to extend from the existing Lincoln Park Substation to the existing Riverbed Substation.

In March of this year, Youngstown residents and officials rallied against the plan. Youngstown Law Director Jeff Limbian told 21 News in March that the project would "set back the progress of our downtown community."

Jenifer French, chair of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission Board stated the reason the board was unanimous in its decision was based on all public comments that were opposing the project.  French said it wasn't easy just to simply write the project off though because it does still need to be done. French said she wants to see First Energy come back with a solution that works for everyone, their company, and the city.

The OPSB statement released said that the board had 'received more than 120 public comments from area residents and local officials in this case. All public comments opposed the construction of the project, specifically the preferred route, which would follow the Mahoning River and traverse through land occupied by the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, Wean Park, and the Covelli Center. The comments raised concerns that installing a transmission line along the preferred route would adversely impact the use and enjoyment of the Youngstown central business and entertainment districts where significant investments have recently been made to revitalize the area.'

John Crossman, a non-voting member of the OPSB board said that this is how democracy works and First Energy is just going to have to work with the community, “simple as that.”

Mayor Brown said he was very grateful the board heard the voice of Youngstown and said "This decision will allow the city to continue to thrive."