June 5, 2013
Ohio

Wind turbines blow up controversy

Rob Sneed | WDTN | 04 Jun 2013 | www3.wdtn.com

Big money could be blowing into Champaign County if wind turbines are built by the end of the year, but some homeowners are fighting back. They don’t want them.

“They really aren’t needed, they’re not wanted,” said Bob McConnell.

Bob McConnell and his wife, Diane, are upset that the Ohio Power Siting Board granted approval for the construction of wind turbines in Champaign County in late May.

“The size, the danger, the problems, the devaluation of homes. they’re many factors involved,” said Diane McConnell. “I have two sets of grandchildren in the area and I doubt that they’ll be able to inherit our home because they won’t be able to live there. We have five turbines within half a mile of us, one is only 750 feet from our property line.”

County Commissioner Steve Hess says having these wind farms here is a win-win situation for the county.

He is looking forward to seeing 105 wind turbines go up throughout the county.

He says having them here would generate around $1.4 million per year with $200,000 of that going directly to the county’s general fund.

“What would you say to those people who are against this? I’d say that rather than speculate it would be good to go to an operating wind farm and see what the effects are on that community,” said Steve Hess, Champaign County Commissioner.

Diane and Bob have been fighting this for the last eight years and they say they will continue to fight until they’re voices are finally heard.

“Yes we will appeal and if the PUCO claims we have no appeal, then we will take it to the Supreme Court,” said Diane.

They have less than 30 days to appeal.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/06/05/wind-turbines-blow-up-controversy/