Opposition group offers deal to Horizon Wind

Horizon Wind Energy is still waiting in the wind in Logan County.

And the opposition group is staying somewhat quiet about its intentions.

The period for Union Ridge Wind to appeal the zoning board of appeals’ decision to grant Horizon a conditional use permit for the construction of 29 wind turbines in northern Logan County expires Oct. 15.

Rick Porter, attorney for URW, said he is aware of the deadline but will not give a definitive answer on the group’s intentions.

Cheryl Wagner, a URW member and a vocal opponent throughout the process, says she can only speak in general terms.

Wagner said a proposal was given to Horizon, which the energy company is currently reviewing. The proposal was drawn up by Porter and agreed upon by URW.

Neither Wagner nor Porter would disclose what was in the proposal, but an appeal may hinge upon whether or not it is accepted.

“Horizon said they really want to do this (project),” said Wagner. “But, they’re not willing to give a property value guarantee.”

A property value guarantee was one of the most sought after components of URW, as Horizon was seeking the go-ahead from the county board and zoning board of appeals.
Throughout the appeals process, both opponents and some proponents of the wind turbine construction have argued a property value guarantee would almost solve the issue immediately. At the time, Porter said even if the conditional-use permit was granted, the property value guarantee would probably be enough to settle the issue permanently.

“If the ZBA grants the conditional-use permit with no property value guarantee, I can almost guarantee an appeal,” said Porter in an earlier interview.

If Porter’s original statement is true, his intentions may already be clear.

Over in Tazewell County, State’s Attorney Stewart Umholtz threatened legal action when the county decided to include Horizon’s project in its enterprise zone.

Wagner said Umholtz, and the opposition group for the Tazewell project, were also at the aforementioned meeting with Horizon.

“Our group gave a proposition, and their group gave them a proposition,” said Wagner.
“(Umholtz) said he is currently waiting for a response from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.”

Accepting the mystery proposal may end Horizon’s headache in Logan County and allow them to move forward sooner than anticipated.

According to Wagner, Horizon admits the group has been a menace.

“They said we’ve put up the strongest opposition they’ve ever seen,” said Wagner. “I was told they’ve never seen anything like it before.”

Even if a deal is accepted, or the period for appeals passes, Horizon may still have to wait before beginning

In a previous committee meeting, zoning officer Will D’Andrea said it is unlikely he would give out building permits until the appeal period is exhausted. He also said Horizon had some conditions to meet before the permits could be granted.

In Tazewell County, that period has passed. Despite Umholtz’ threats, Horizon announced it will soon begin its first phase of construction.

Although Wagner wouldn’t say what the group’s intentions were for Logan County, she did announce her own intentions:

Running against Chuck Ruben for his seat on the county board.

She said she spoke with board member and mayoral hopeful Pat O’Neill about the decision, and said O’Neill supported her efforts.

“I didn’t necessarily say I would back her running against Ruben,” said O’Neill. “I’ll back anyone who wants to make a difference.

“That’s how I got into politics. I had a problem with my property tax, and a person told me if I wanted to change things, then I should run for office. The rest is history.”

Although Wagner is in Ruben’s district, the finance committee chairman’s seat isn’t up for a couple of years, said O’Neill.

By Joshua Niziolkiewicz
The Courier

Lincoln Courier ^[1]

5 September 2008

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[1] Lincoln Courier: http://www.lincolncourier.com/news/x392063469/Opposition-group-offers-deal-to-Horizon-Wind

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