August 17, 2012
New Hampshire

Hearing set for Antrim wind farm

By MEGHAN PIERCE, Union Leader Correspondent | www.unionleader.com 16 August 2012

ANTRIM – Residents who oppose a proposed wind farm are to have their say at a state hearing in September. The Select Board, which supports the project, will be represented by Town Administrator Galen Stearns.

“The Select Board sees it as good for the tax base. In this day and age, there are very few opportunities to increase the revenue for the town,” Stearns said.

Eolian Renewable Energy, as Antrim Wind Energy, is currently under state review for approval to build 10 wind turbines, part of a 30-megawatt production capacity facility in the rural conservation district along the Tuttle and Willard mountain ridge lines.

In June, the Select Board and Antrim Wind Energy signed a payment in lieu of taxes or PILOT agreement. But in July, five residents who said the agreement would cost the taxpayers money filed a lawsuit against the town. They alleged right-to-know violations were committed during negotiations between the Select Board and Antrim Wind Energy.

At next month’s hearing, resident Richard Block has been designated by the SEC to represent a group of about 10 residents who live near the proposed project site and along the North Branch River.

“This would be very disruptive, not just to wildlife, but to residents in the area,” Block said. “Contrary to what Antrim Wind Energy is saying, it will be a major noise issue for a lot of people.”

The N.H. Site Evaluation Committee hearing is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 10 at the offices of the Public Utilities Commission, 21 South Fruit St., Suite 10.