Wind turbine ordinance center of debate
WEXFORD CO. -- It’s an issue that is getting more and more attention, alternative energy. As companies begin to test the waters on wind farm plans communities are stepping up to make sure any negative impacts are addressed.
Thursday night a public hearing will take place in Wexford County addressing a new zoning ordinance for wind turbines. The issue was raised after plans by Heritage Wind Energy, based in Traverse City, to extend a wind farm to the area.
Currently, Heritage Wind Energy has 17 wind turbines installed at the Stoney Corners Wind Farm in McBain. Two more will be installed by the end of the year at that location. By 2011, the wind farm will expand into Osceola County’s Highland Township with nine more turbines. More could be built into Wexford County’s Clam Lake Township as well.
Wexford County’s ordinance being introduced and voted on by commissioners would require wind turbines to be at least 2,000 feet from any home. Any company interested in installing a wind turbine must get the property’s owner to lease the land. County leaders say Heritage Wind Energy is worried the proposed ordinance puts them at the mercy of homeowners.
Zoning Administrator, Mike Green says, "No they are not real comfortable with it. In fact, they sent a letter addressed to the planning commission asking us to reconsider the draft we have. They feel it is too restrictive and it places too much burden on them to find property."
Some property owners are worried about the noise a wind turbine will make and about their property values.
Manistee County is also looking at a county wide model to address any concerns for future wind farms there as well.
