August 30, 2016
Indiana

Board to consider opposing wind farm development

By Kevin Green | The Courier-Times | August 30, 2016 | www.thecouriertimes.com

KNIGHTSTOWN – The town council of this southwestern Henry County community is considering a request to officially oppose development of wind farms.

Susan Huhn, an independent candidate seeking the Henry County Commissioner southern district seat currently held by Ed Yanos, recently appeared before the council and shared information about wind turbines and her opinion about why they are a bad fit for Henry County.

Both Apex Clean Energy and NextEra have proposed developing wind farms in the southern part of the county. Huhn asked the council to pass a resolution that states the town is opposed to placement of the turbines anywhere near the community and to then forward a copy of that resolution to the Henry County Commissioners.

Huhn said the turbines are inefficient and are not a “green” alternative to more traditional fuel sources. She cited a myriad of health concerns she said are linked to the noise, vibration and shadow-flicker she said are created by the turbines. She also said there was a loss of property value and difficulty in selling property located near wind farms.

“I’m asking you to protect the citizens of Knightstown from property damage, from loss of property value, and to protect your own vision for what economic growth might look like in Knightstown by considering this resolution,” Huhn said.

Following Huhn’s presentation, council member Roger Hammer asked audience members to raise their hands if they were opposed to wind turbines in the Knightstown area and several hands went up.

Opposition to the turbines wasn’t unanimous, however. John Swartz, a member of the Charles A. Beard Memorial School Board, indicated the local school system supports the development of wind farms and the tax revenue they would generate. Council president Sarah Ward said when she was near a wind farm, the passing traffic made more noise than the nearby turbines did. Council member Mitch Roland also stated he “could barely hear them” when he visited a site near wind turbines.

“I think this is something we need to seriously consider signing,” council member Valerie Trump said prior to making a motion of support for the resolution Huhn requested. Town attorney Gregg Morelock suggested her motion be delayed until he had time to prepare such a document and Trump agreed.

This matter is expected to be addressed when the council next meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 in the town’s municipal building, 26 S. Washington St., Knightstown.