October 4, 2007
Ohio

Union Twp. wind turbines hot topic at zoning meeting

More proposals for wind turbine zoning regulations within Union Twp. were discussed Wednesday night.

The Union Twp. Zoning Commission met for a work session and voted on regulations to add to a proposal that they hope to eventually send to the Logan Union Champaign Regional Planning Commission for review.

Commissioners Bill Runyan, David Hayden, Ken Davis and Steve Bircher were present and voted unanimously in favor of additions including:

• Establishing a 1,000-foot wind turbine setback from the primary residence on an adjoining property to that of the land on which the tower sits.

• A wildlife survey should include the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services.

Commissioners Don Skillman, who voted against most of the proposed regulations discussed at the September work session, and Jeff Channel were not at the meeting.

The commission also voted to accept the withdrawal of a zoning proposal submitted last month by Union Neighbors United.

Union Neighbors United is a group of township residents who are concerned about land use and health and safety issues they feel the proposed wind turbines could create.

About 40 people filled the Champaign County Community Center auditorium for the meeting, and some brought signs saying, “Safe setbacks,” “Protect people not profits” and “Wind power is overblown.”

The commission decided to wait to vote on the proposal until a completed draft has been compiled and until the Wind Turbine Study Group – a new group created by the county prosecutor’s office to examine the affects of wind energy development in the county – has had a chance to meet and submit suggestions.

The next zoning commission meeting was set for 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Champaign County Community Center auditorium.

By Natalie Morales
Staff Writer

Springfield News-Sun

4 October 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/10/04/union-twp-wind-turbines-hot-topic-at-zoning-meeting/