January 3, 2018
Illinois

McLean County Zoning Board hears case for new wind farm

By Lindsey Harrison | Jan 02, 2018 | www.centralillinoisproud.com

NORMAL, Ill. – The McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals is currently in the process of deciding whether or not the county will get a new wind farm.

The board finished the first part of its public hearing Tuesday night. Most of the meeting was focused on Chicago-based Invenergy, the company proposing the new wind farm. Nearly 150 community members came out to hear what the company had to say. Invenergy wants to build 100 new wind turbines over five townships. It would be the county’s third wind farm Several community members voiced concerns over turbine placement and property values. Invenergy’s experts say that the turbines are not likely to bring down property value. The company says McLean County has some of the best wind in the state for this type of farm.

“This is a very solid area for wind resource and therefore is a very valuable commodity for McLean County,” explained Kevin Parzyck.

The company says the project would create more than 500 new construction jobs and power 69,000 homes annually. County officials expect the hearing to be completed over several meetings. The board is planning to meet again on Thursday. Right now, the board is hearing expert testimony and getting questions answered. Neighbors will get the chance to voice concerns or support as well.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/01/03/mclean-county-zoning-board-hears-case-for-new-wind-farm/