News
Commissioners Vincent Zapotosky and Vincent A. Vicites voted in favor of the change, and Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink voted against it.
The change will allow wind turbines in the zones of A-1, agricultural rural, M-1, light industrial and M-2, heavy industrial as a permitted use. Previously, wind turbines were only permitted after obtaining a special exception from the zoning board.
After the vote, Zimmerlink said she thinks that changing wind turbines to a permitted use takes away a venue for residents affected by a project. She said the issue is fairly new to the county and it may be better to continue to require a special exception, adding that she thinks it was done for a certain company.
"I don't think it is a benefit (to change to a permitted use) at this time," Zimmerlink said.
Zapotosky acknowledged that it is a new industry, but pointed out that the zoning ordinance currently allows for deep mining in A-1 zones, and wind energy is safer.
"I think it's a necessary move in this direction," Zapotosky said.
Zapotosky said the action was directed more at industry standards than a particular company.
Currently a proposed 24-wind turbine project for Wharton, Springhill and Georges townships is on hold because special exception and variance requests by the zoning hearing board were denied in March 2008.
Since the denial, changes have occurred to both the proposed project and the zoning ordinance dealing with tower height, sound levels and setback requirements.
The company seeking to construct the project, Iberdrola Renewables of Portland, Ore., formerly PPM Atlantic, appealed the ruling, and Judge Ralph C. Warman, who remanded it to zoning board, overturned it in April.
The zoning hearing board will hold a public hearing to take action on Warman's ruling at 10 a.m. Monday. However, the new zoning change won't affect the Iberdrola plans because they were filed at the time of the old ordinance.
Vicites said he was adamant that setbacks were changed for the proposed project, which is expected to go to construction in 2010.
He said although the project was first introduced nearly two years ago, it hasn't moved forward.
Vicites said the $100 million project would benefit the county.
"We want to be a leader. It was a hard decision but we need to move forward for long-term growth and development," Vicites said.
Officials have said the wind-powered, electricity-generating facility would provide enough electricity for 17,000 homes annually.
The zoning board held four hearings on the request - Oct. 17 and 31, 2007; Dec. 19, 2007; and Jan. 30, 2008 - before issuing the denial on March 11, 2008.
During the hearings, numerous people spoke in favor of and in opposition to the request. Some neighbors, including Thomas John Bozek III of Springhill Township, opposed the project, expressing concern about noise and other issues. The owner of Laurel Caverns in Georges Township expressed concerns about bat deaths.
Iberdrola then appealed the decision, ultimately leading to Warman's reversal.
One of the sticking points was the fact that the ordinance only allowed turbines with heights of 250 feet, and the industry standard is now 262.5 feet.
The wind turbines that are being proposed are 262.5 feet, and the blades are 145 feet long, for a total height of 406 feet.
During public comment, Bozek said the action to change the zoning ordinance wasn't a surprise.
"The sound is my biggest question," Bozek said. "My problem with this whole thing is it would cost me tons of money to fight and I won't win. My property will now be a sound buffer."
Bozek, who pointed out that his house wasn't shown on the original maps for the project, said he isn't against the project, he just thinks the turbines are too close to his home.
One of the proposed turbines near Bozek's home has been eliminated, and now the closest one will be 900 feet from the property line, and 3,000 feet from his house.
Bozek said his property is shaped like a bowl and he doesn't think the sound level will meet those set in the ordinance.
Vicites said the planning office will enforce the ordinance, which includes decibel requirements.
"We have to co-exist," Zapotosky said.
Bozek also pointed out that he wasn't aware when the planning commission recommended the change to the zoning ordinance, and pointed out that Gary Verkleeren of Iberdrola is on the planning commission.
Attorney Richard Bower said Verkleeren has always abstained on issues relating to the wind turbine project.
He added that the new ordinance was proposed by the industry, and wasn't out of the clear blue sky.
After the meeting, Verkleeren said the company is pleased with the action the commissioners to and pleased that they view renewable energy as a powerful local tool for economic growth.
| < prev | next > |