January 17, 2015
Ohio

No matter what age, citizens in Greenwich concerned about wind turbines

Aaron Krause | Norwalk Reflector | Jan 17, 2015 | www.norwalkreflector.com

As members of the Greenwich community learn more about the proposed wind turbine park, they are voicing their concerns about its potential impact on this peaceful and tranquil community. The case is pending before the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), docket #13-990-EL-BGN.

Kay VanScoy, a long-time resident of Greenwich who recently turned 100, said, “I think they will be too close to Greenwich. I’ve heard from big dairy farms that have turbines close to them that they have lost 20 percent of milk production because of them.”

Dean and Carol Sheldon, community members on Greenwich-Milan Townline Road, said, “We were impressed that the OPSB granted OMEGA the application for rehearing after reviewing the hundreds of comments filed by citizens and state and local officials. It would seem appropriate that an entire review of the Ohio Wind Farm siting criteria should be undertaken before a decision is made affecting submitted plans for the proposed Greenwich Wind Farm development.”

Other residents of the community, Heidi Johnson, and Tim Williams, voiced concerns about the impact on Greenwich.

Heidi said, “We have a geothermal heating/cooling system in our home, so we are not against alternative energy. Eight years ago we became interested in erecting a wind mill on our property. We had a company come and give us an estimate. The cost was going to be $25,000 and they told us that it would generate about $35 per month in electric. At that point, we realized that wind power was not a good investment in this area because the system would never pay for itself.

“We believe that putting 900 families within one-mile of a wind turbine is not a wise move. In Europe and Australia, they are moving wind turbines further and further away from private dwellings. Since wind turbines have been in these countries much longer than in the U.S., it seems that they have learned that placing them close to homes can cause problems for families.” Tim added, “If this project is pushed through, we as a community will be negatively impacted in many ways. Personally, there will be a negative visual impact which will ultimately lead to a larger and more destructive issue, the reduction of our property values.”

In addition, Ginnie Robson, life-long resident of Greenwich said, “In my mind I have been comparing the turbines coming to our area to the time before the indoor smoking ban was made law in Ohio in November of 2006. People’s choice to smoke directly infringed on non-smoker’s rights and health. Both sides of the issue were deeply affected but only one side had a choice. Again, the citizens neighboring the huge industrial complexes being created have no choice on a matter that will impact their health as well as their property values.”

The young, the old, life-long residents and those new to the area have great concerns about the proposed wind turbine development.

Greenwich Neighbors United is hosting an event on Feb. 22 to educate more citizens about the proposed wind park and provide an opportunity to voice their concerns. The event will be take place at South-Central (K-8) School, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/01/17/no-matter-what-age-citizens-in-greenwich-concerned-about-wind-turbines/