June 1, 2018
Ohio

More than 500 show up to anti-wind turbine meeting

By Jay Hannah | WNWO | nbc24.com

It was standing room only at the Attica Fairgrounds, where more than 500 people discussed wind power.

A majority are wanting state leaders to hear their voices, and not allow wind turbines in their backyards.

Thursday night, members of the “Seneca Anti-Wind Union” met at the Attica Fairgrounds.

City, county and state representatives were there too.

“The question was asked, ‘are you for or against wind turbines?’ Well, I don’t think anybody is against wind turbines. They’re against wind turbines in their backyard,” said Seneca County Commissioner Mike Kerschner.

Its “Republic Wind Project” would bring around 55 turbines to Seneca and Sandusky Counties.

The company says it would create 100 jobs, power 57,000 homes, and bring in $2 million a year.

“We’ve seen a large amount of support in these communities and from our landowners. We’re looking forward to bringing these projects to Ohio and this region,” stated APEX’s Nate Pedder.

Members of the Seneca Anti-Wind Union.. says the farms would be bad for the area.

“Shadow flicker that will cast a shadow from the turbine and the sun that will end up on my property, potential risk for not being able to build on my property that I own, and just basically property rights, that’s what it boils down to,” declared Seneca Anti-Wind Union Member, Chris Aichholz.

They’re also worried about Ohio House Bill 114.

It’s legislation, that if passed, would allow turbines to be built closer to residential properties.

Currently, the state has the final say on where they go up.

Opponents also point to safety concerns and lower property values.

Chuck Gaietto and his wife Jodie own about 115 acres of land.

They’re worried about the environmental impact.

“Migrating birds in the fall, and in the spring also, they’re looking for nesting areas and with a number of turbines within a half a mile of this property, we’re really concerned how that is going to affect our property.”

If the state approves the Republic Project, construction could being in 2019.

Those out Thursday night say they want the issue put to a vote.

Apex Clean Energy hopes to have the project up and running by August 2020.

Another company wants to build in the area, too.

Seneca Wind Farm released a statement saying, “Seneca Wind will provide a significant economic stimulus to Seneca County during construction by providing jobs and local contracts for goods and services. Also, significant long-term economic benefits through lease revenue to local landowners and property tax revenue will be beneficial to the community. Seneca Wind is in the process of completing environmental studies to ensure the turbines are properly and responsibly sited and operated as part of our commitment to protecting the environment for generations to come. We value our relationships with local stakeholders and we will work closely with the local communities to ensure this project will be a good neighbor and a community benefit for many years to come.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/06/01/more-than-500-show-up-to-anti-wind-turbine-meeting/