Who wants to live in a wind farm?
Kokomo Tribune | December 1, 2012 | kokomotribune.com
At a recent Tipton County Council meeting, a representative of a wind energy company told council members he had received a great reception from residents when he has proposed building more giant wind turbines in Prairie Township and areas east of U.S. 31.
No doubt he was well-received by 50 landowners, who could receive thousands of dollars every year for wind turbines placed on their property.
But what about the other 1,200 people who live in Prairie Township, plus another 1,000 or so who live in Sharpsville, Prairie Acres and the rest of the area?
This proposed wind farm would stretch from Clinton County to Sharpsville, and from County Road 200 North to Howard County. It could have as many as 94 giant wind turbines.
Just a short drive to Windfall and a quick look around will tell anyone that such a wind farm will dramatically change the rural landscape in this part of Tipton County forever.
The majority of people who have chosen to live in this area aren’t doing it for convenience. People live in this area for the rural environment. Most in our area of Prairie Township work in other counties. But by living here, they pay Tipton County property taxes. They buy Tipton County license plates with wheel taxes that pay for our roads. And they send their children to Tipton County schools.
We wonder how many would choose to reside here if it was in the middle of a wind farm.
If these county residents wanted to live in an industrial zone, they would have moved next to a factory. If they wanted red flashing lights shining in their windows all night, they would be living upstairs from a pizzeria.
When speaking to our neighbors about the possibility of living in the middle of a wind farm, almost none of them were even aware this was happening.
The Tipton County commissioners have recommended the county council offer the wind energy company a tax abatement to encourage filling our countryside with these 400-foot towers with spinning blades.
From what county council members have heard so far, the wind farm company has received a warm welcome for its plan.
A public hearing will take place at 7 p.m. Monday at the Tipton County Foundation. Following the hearing, council members plan to vote on the abatement, so now is the time to let your opinions be heard.
John and Emily West
Sharpsville
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/12/01/who-wants-to-live-in-a-wind-farm/