April 24, 2007
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Summit Ridge Energy LLC applied for a conditional use permit (CUP) to construct wind towers and facilities in the Town of Wilton. A public hearing will be held May 24 at 7 p.m. in the Monroe County Courthouse Annex meeting room.
Any person may appear, in person or by his agent or attorney, to give testimony for or against the granting of the CUP. Sign up for oral testimony and map viewing is from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All other testimony may be submitted in writing. For more information contact the Monroe County Zoning Department at 608-372-8939 or 608-269-8939.
Monroe County adopted an ordinance governing construction and placement of wind towers for the generation of electricity in zoned towns in 2006. There were two meetings in April for the towns of Ridgeville and Wells about the CUPs in those townships.
Positive and negative effects from construction of the wind towers range from environmental to aesthetic possibilities, and even those issues are two-sided. The wind towers are a renewable source of energy that induce no pollution into the environment (and actually absorb carbon dioxide), but some believe they could upset bird and insect patterns. Others believe the towers will disrupt the view of the landscape, but many believe they will add beauty and attract travelers. Some believe construction will create jobs, stabilize energy costs and add another revenue stream to the area, while still others believe the financial benefit will only be temporary, during the initial project construction.
No matter what issue is under debate with the wind towers, there are various opinions with multiple perspectives. The Planning and Zoning Department must wade through those opinions and data to make a decision for the betterment of the community. The town then has 21 days to veto or approve the CUP. If no action is taken by the town the CUP will be approved.
By Keith Zukas
23 April 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/04/24/hearing-on-wind-towers-is-may-24/