Kochville eyes energy blowing in wind
Wind turbines and unlawful rentals were under scrutiny by Planning Commission members in Kochville Monday as the group debated how best to deal with both.
Pressure from growing support to seek alternative energy sources is forcing the township to look at putting a wind turbine ordinance in place.
Common complaints from other townships where wind turbines were installed have included high noise levels from blade vibration, fan flicker (light distortion), blade safety, and appearance.
Kochville has received inquires from two landowners interested in installing wind turbines, Zoning Administrator Dale Klein said.
Kevin Sting, a licensed contractor of Saginaw Bay Wind and Solar, presented a vertical-axis design that runs virtually silent in low wind speeds.
“Wind is very prevalent in Michigan from November to March,” Sting said, adding that at wind speeds of 10-to 13 miles per hour, it can generate about 2,000 kilowatts per year.
Sting said the cost of vertical axis blades was significantly lower at about $9,000 to $12,000. Fan-blade turbines can start at about $30,000.
“People want freedom from high utility bills,” Sting said.
Commissioners were receptive to the vertical design and Stephen King, director of the Downtown Development Authority, said he was a personal advocate for renewable energy.
“The area is right for future investment,” King said. “Indicative of the direction a community might be steering toward.”
Last month, commissioners passed a six-month moratorium on the installation of wind turbines until an ordinance is in place.
Commissioners Don Jackson and Rhonda Ferrell supported the technology and said it would be proactive for the township.
Chairman Warren Collisi said the commission will continue to work on establishing an ordinance.
An effort to update a 1979 rental ordinance was passed back to the township board to form a committee to work out a measure that will insure landlords comply with residential zoning requirements for the safety of its renters.
By Deborah Brown | The Saginaw News
10 November 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
Some possibly related stories:
- Kochville leaders mull wind turbine ordinance, consider test application
- Bridgeport Township officials eye wind turbines
- Bridgeport Township prepares zoning for potential wind farm
- Bridgeport Township officials making early plans to pave way for a wind farm
- Muskegon Township weighs wind ordinance
- Change in the wind in Whitehall Township
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