May 11, 2011
Michigan

Wind issue blows into Palmyra Twp.

www.blissfieldadvance.com 10 May 2011

PALMYRA – The Palmyra Township board is trying to get a handle on the controversial issue of the proposed Blissfield area wind energy development projects.
At its regular meeting Thursday evening, the board fielded questions and comments from local residents and representatives of Exelon Wind and Great Lakes Wind.
Several people called for a moratorium on wind energy development, saying the planning commission and board need more time to research the pros and cons of living near industrial wind turbines.
Others said a moratorium would only serve to stall and perhaps jeopardize a project that could bring millions of tax dollars to the area.
Planning commission chairman Jim Leonard said the commissioners simply want to be as informed as possible.
“The hard part is getting unbiased opinions,” said Leonard. “We’re still in the information-gathering spot. We’re not at a point where we’re ready to vote on setbacks and sound levels.”
Leonard also encouraged Palmyra residents to visit a wind farm and experience wind turbines firsthand.
Supervisor Jim Isley moved to place a one-year moratorium on wind energy development in Palmyra Township, with support by Steve Papenhagen. Trustee Dale Terry, however, said the township would not benefit from a moratorium.
“Other neighboring communities have spent a lot of time researching this,” said Terry. “I don’t see the value in taking more time. We won’t learn anything new. … The planning commission is not even ready to submit anything to the board, and this will take a few months.”
In the end the motion was voted down, 4-1, with Papenhagen supporting the moratorium.
For James McClenathen’s complete story with more quotes and discussion, please see the May 11, 2011, edition of The Advance.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/05/11/wind-issue-blows-into-palmyra-twp/