News
During the agenda meeting, Commissioners Vincent Zapotosky and Vincent A. Vicites voted to place a motion on Thursday's agenda to approve an agreement between PPM Atlantic Renewable Energy Corp./Iberdrola Renewables, the county and property owners that petitioned the court to be included in the case. Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink voted against the action, saying she doesn't believe the commissioners have the authority to approve changes to the proposed project.
Zapotosky said the agreement eliminates one of the proposed sites and also does not include any mention of a scholarship fund funded by PPM and administered by the county that was part of a prior agreement.
Plans are to construct a $100 million wind-powered, electricity-generating facility that would provide enough electricity for 17,000 homes annually.
Earlier this year, the county zoning hearing board denied a special exception and variance request by PPM Atlantic that would have allowed construction of the 24-turbine project.
After the denial, the company appealed the decision, saying the zoning board improperly denied the request. The zoning ordinance allows windmills of up to 250 feet in height, but the current industry standards are now 262 feet.
Zapotosky and Zimmerlink directed the county solicitor to intervene in the case to ensure the zoning board did what it was charged to do under the law.
"I look at the agreement as an opportunity to support PPM and address concerns," Zapotosky said. "I think it was a good gesture."
Zapotosky added that he doesn't think approving the agreement infringes on the court of common pleas, which will ultimately make the decision regarding the project. The agreement will be presented to the court, which will decide the case.
The agreement specifically calls for the elimination of one of the proposed sites for the South Chestnut Windpower Project for Wharton, Georges and Springhill townships. A separate agreement reached with another property owner called for eliminating another proposed site.
The stipulation also states that the property owners would not oppose court action to overturn a denial for the project.
Zimmerlink said she supports alternative energy and the windmill project but said the case is in the hands of the court.
"I don't believe it is in our realm to stipulate. It was the recommendation of the solicitor to not enter into an agreement and not go down that road," Zimmerlink said.
Vicites disputed Zimmerlink's contention that solicitor Joseph E. Ferens Jr. told them not to enter into the agreement.
Zapotosky said he didn't think Ferens gave a legal opinion, to which Zimmerlink agreed that it wasn't a formal legal opinion.
Vicites said he didn't vote to intervene in the case because it set a bad precedent. He said he thinks the court should fulfill its role.
"The court will decide since it has been appealed, but as commissioners we have to show leadership and make sure the public knows our position," Vicites said.
Vicites said he was concerned about setbacks and that has been addressed because two sites have been eliminated.
Neighbors previously testified that they didn't want the turbines too close to their homes.
"I feel they've done a good job in reaching out to these people," Vicites said. "I was supportive of this project from the beginning."
Zimmerlink disputed an assertion by Vicites that supporting the agreement is similar to making a proclamation, saying by approving the stipulation it goes beyond simply showing support.
Gary Verkleeren of PPM said during public comment that energy and economy matters are at the forefront of discussions and the proposed project addresses the problems locally and will stipulate the economy.
Verkleeren thanked all three commissioners for supporting the wind energy project and specifically thanks Vicites and Zapotosky for getting involved by approving the stipulation.
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