NORTH LEWISBURG - A packed auditorium at a public hearing held at Triad High School Wednesday, Oct. 27, represented a community divided over a proposal to build 70 wind turbines across six townships in Champaign County.

More than 50 people signed up to testify before representatives of the Ohio Power Siting Board.

The OPSB is a state agency that would issue a certificate to Everpower Renewables to construct the turbines, known as the Buckeye Wind Project, said Matt Butler, spokesman for the Ohio Public Utilities Commission.

Thursday's hearing was the first of its kind in Ohio because the Buckeye Wind Project is the first application to propose such a high number of turbines, he said.

"This is a chance for the public to put their opinions on the record," Butler added.

Testimony from both sides could affect OPSB's decision either way, he said.

And the testimony from dozens of residents who spoke was varied as locals either welcomed Everpower with open arms or told the company to leave Champaign County.

"You must go. You are not welcome in our community with your misleading facts, your big business and your deceptive practices," said Amy Blanton of Mechanicsburg. "It is time for you to go."

People who shared Blanton's opinion brought up issues such as possible ill effects the turbines would have on health, property values, aesthetics of the land and how much wind energy and noise the turbines would produce.

But those who are for the turbines argued that a wind farm would be a good way to move Ohio toward clean energy for future generations, would not disturb residents with noise and would generate more than enough electricity for local homes.

"I feel the need for energy and all the alternatives available," said William Blazer of Woodstock. "I believe wind turbines will be safe for the environment and clean and I believe it will bring income to the community."

A hearing scheduled Monday, Nov. 9, will allow parties involved in the project to present testimony to members of the OPSB.