November 4, 2010
Illinois

Area residents express opinion on wind turbine restrictions

www.ashtongazette.com 4 November 2010

ASHTON – The Ashton Village Board hosted a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 1 seeking the input from the community on the proposed 1.5 mile setback of the wind turbines from the village limits.

Several people attended the meeting, but few that spoke were actually from Ashton.

“I am very pleased with the turnout,” said Mayor John Martinez. “But I am equally disappointed with the participation.” The majority of the people that spoke were from the Franklin Grove area. So it is difficult to see how the people of Ashton truly feel.

Doris Kennay, a rural Ashton resident that owns property within the 1.5 mile discussed is feels that there are already too many restrictions and doesn’t feel there should be more. She believes that the presence of wind turbines will bring jobs to the area and tax revenue to the fire district, school and townships.

AFC Superintendent John Zick spoke to the financial benefits that the school would see with the presence of wind turbines. He described how the Equalized Assessed Value impacts the funds the school receives. Zick explained how the school enrollment has declined an average of three percent each year for the past 10 years. State funding is determined by the enrollment.

All other speakers discussed the negative aspects of wind turbines. Repeating previously published claims of health problems, shadow flicker and noise issues. They urged the village board not to allow turbines to be placed within the mile and a half perimeter.

The Ashton Village board will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 8 at the village hall. The board is expected to continue discussions at a future date.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/04/area-residents-express-opinion-on-wind-turbine-restrictions/