August 27, 2010
Maine

Eastbrook officials approve wind ordinance on split vote

Written by Jennifer Osborn, fenceviewer.com 26 August 2010

EASTBROOK – In a 5-4 vote Wednesday, the Eastbrook Comprehensive Plan Committee approved a draft of a wind energy facility ordinance despite disagreement about sound setback requirements.

“Sound is one of the major stumbling blocks,” said committee Chairman Chuck Yeo at the beginning of the meeting.

Wind energy company First Wind proposes constructing wind turbines in Eastbrook on Bull Hill. First Wind could not be reached before press time.

The committee will meet again Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 6:30 p.m. to vote on a final draft of the ordinance.

A central issue is whether a one-mile setback requirement for a wind facility should start at a property line or at a dwelling place on the property.

One committee member asked whether having a property line setback would limit the number of wind turbines in Eastbrook.

First Wind Project Manager David Fowler concurred that it would.

The committee was split in its opinion about the issue.

“I think if anybody doesn’t care about a turbine leaving town, then they’re selfish,” said committee member Brian Lane, who voted against the proposed ordinance.

Committee member Dave Boulter, who favored having the setback at the property line, said he did not want to penalize people who own a piece of land they haven’t built on yet.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/08/27/eastbrook-officials-approve-wind-ordinance-on-split-vote/