December 10, 2015
Arkansas

State representative has ‘concerns’ about Elm Springs proposed wind farm

State Rep. Robin Lundstrum concerned about property values | By Daniel Armbruster | KHBS | Dec 09, 2015 | www.4029tv.com

Arkansas State Rep. Robin Lundstrum said she has serious concerns about a proposed wind farm in the Elm Springs area.

Lundstrum said her concerns are primarily based on rezoning issues and questions she has about the leaders of the company hoping to build the wind farm.

“I’m very concerned. It’s in my district. I’m concerned about property values,” she said.

According to court documents and police records, Jody Davis, who is listed on Dragonfly Industries International’s website as CEO, has a criminal past and has served time in federal prison for fraud and embezzlement.

Separate court records from Washington County also state that Cody Fell, who has been a spokesman for the company, has been arrested for hot check violations.

Lundstrum, a Republican, representing Elm Springs, said those facts are ‘concerning.’

“They have a past that’s sketchy. And I’m not saying that just because you have a past that’s sketchy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go back into business and climb back on that horse. But we have a right as citizens to ask who our neighbors are going to be. Who is going to be running that business? And I think it would be appropriate for them to be there on December 14th to answer our questions,” Lundstrum said.

The Elm Springs Planning Commission is scheduled to meet next Monday to discuss rezoning the 300 acres where the wind farm would be constructed.

A representative with Elm Springs City Hall told 40/29 News that Mayor Harold Douthit was out of town and is available for comment at this time.

The company planning to build it states on their website that the wind facility will be on 131 acres and will be constructed during a span of 36 months.

Each tower will have two turbines similar to jet engines, but produce less noise than the traditional wind turbines.

On March 1, Elm Springs voters will decide if the city can annex the land where the proposed wind farm would go.

The Elm Springs City Council voted to annex the land in November. However, several residents signed a petition requesting a public vote.