GEORGIA -- More than 150 people gathered tonight in Georgia to debate a proposed five-turbine wind farm on Georgia Mountain.

Some 30 speakers and the broader audience seemed split on the project as they participated in a hearing before the state Public Service Board, which would have to approve the development for it to proceed.

Opponents cited concerns about the turbines' effect on the health, property values and quality of life of the project's neighbors. They also worried the wind farm could harm the environment by threatening local wildlife, all the while generating too little electricity to make the possible harm worthwile.

Supporters countered that the state needs green-energy projects such as wind generation to help combat the detrimental effects of climate change, such as warming temperatures that threaten the state's valuable maple trees and its syrup and ski industries. They also said Vermonters should embrace alternative generation proposals with the possibility of nuclear-power plant Vermont Yankee's license not being renewed, thereby driving up electricity costs.

The crowd filled the parking lot at Georgia Elementary School and packed into bleacers and folding chairs in the gym. About 20 people wore T-shirts reading Support Georgia Mountain Community Wind. The crowd ignored the board chairman's request and applauded for several speakers who opposed the development. People disagreed about how much noise and power the turbines would generate, and how much, if any, danger the 400-foot-tall structures would pose to humans and animals.

They also diverged about whether the large windmills would be an eyesore or look pretty.