October 7, 2008
New Jersey
BARNEGAT — Winds of change are making their way into the township.
After hearing from members of the Climate Action Advisory Group, Ocean Gate Mayor Paul J. Kennedy and James H. Fry, a retired Navy engineer and wind advocate, the Township Committee voted unanimously Monday night to seek the Planning Board’s assistance in drafting an ordinance to regulate wind turbines.
The Climate Action Committee enlisted the help of Rowan University in Glassboro — as did Ocean Gate — to erect an anemometer to measure wind on township property near the bayfront.
“Rowan University is very excited to be working with us because they feel our location is really great on the bay,” Marianne Clemente, an advisory group member, told the township committee during the workshop portion of its meeting.
Bob Bruno, another advisory panel member, said that the group would like to take small steps in the endeavor and carefully review feasible locations for wind turbines.
“How do we get from nowhere to somewhere?” Bruno asked. “That first step is going to be the important step.”
Clemente said that an expedited approval process for the anemometer on the township’s end would make Barnegat a more attractive candidate for Rowan’s experts.
Kennedy agreed. He was able to speak to the committee from experience because earlier this year Ocean Gate became the first municipality in Ocean County to seek a project to harness wind power.
“You tell them you’re not ready, they’re going to go to somebody else,” Kennedy said of the university.
By Jessica Infante
Manahawkin Bureau
7 October 2008
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[1] Asbury Park Press: http://www.app.com/article/20081007/NEWS02/810070392/1070
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