June 16, 2007
Ohio
Ohio
The Rushcreek Township Zoning Commission recommended approval of a zoning amendment developed by a group opposed to wind turbines.
The commission’s recommendation, which was backed with a 5-0 vote, now goes before the Rushcreek Township Trustees who can vote to accept the recommendation, reject it or modify.
Any vote to reject or modify the citizen-initiated zoning amendment will require a unanimous vote of the trustees.
Tom Stacy of Save Western Ohio was pleased with the commission’s recommendation.
“I think it is a potential momentum-building event,” he said. “It sets a great example for the region. The commission members heard our concerns and took them to heart.”
Thursday’s vote is contrary to advice from a committee of the Logan-Union-Champaign Regional Planning Commission.
They said the amendment should be rejected because it is too restrictive and effectively bans wind turbines.
Logan County Prosecutor Gerald Heaton has said it is unconstitutional to pass zoning laws to ban wind turbines. He has not said whether or not he believes the citizen-initiative amendment bans wind turbines.
The Jefferson Township Zoning Commission has recommended rejecting the amendment. Its recommendation will go before the Jefferson Township Trustees at a 10:30 a.m. Saturday meeting at the Tri-Valley Fire House.
By Joel E. Mast
Staff Writer
15 June 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/06/16/rushcreek-zoning-commission-backs-turbine-amendment/