Issue of wind energy ordinance tabled so plan commission can consider perspectives, fact finding
Talk of the Town Whitley County|Jennifer Zartman Romano|October 21, 2010
After hearing residents' points of view on the matter, the plan commission agreed to further consider the matter and voted to table the issue until their next meeting where they will discuss it further. Ultimately, the matter would end up in the hands of Whitley County Commissioners to consider.
After hearing residents' points of view on the matter, the plan commission agreed to further consider the matter and voted to table the issue until their next meeting where they will discuss it further. Ultimately, the matter would end up in the hands of Whitley County Commissioners to consider.
On a windy day like today, it's no wonder the county is considering tapping into wind energy as a future crop for Whitley County.
Last night, more than 70 people stood in a crowded room as the Whitley County Plan Commission considered a proposal to provide parameters for future wind energy companies wanting to operate in Whitley County.
Specifically, the plan commission is considering an ordinance that would allow a large wind farm to be created in the southwest corner of Whitley County.
According to Whitley County Commissioner Tom Rethlake, who attended the meeting, there were many in attendance -- with a variety of opinions on the matter.
"There were people that spoke for it, people that spoke against it," Rethlake said.
"It …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]On a windy day like today, it's no wonder the county is considering tapping into wind energy as a future crop for Whitley County.
Last night, more than 70 people stood in a crowded room as the Whitley County Plan Commission considered a proposal to provide parameters for future wind energy companies wanting to operate in Whitley County.
Specifically, the plan commission is considering an ordinance that would allow a large wind farm to be created in the southwest corner of Whitley County.
According to Whitley County Commissioner Tom Rethlake, who attended the meeting, there were many in attendance -- with a variety of opinions on the matter.
"There were people that spoke for it, people that spoke against it," Rethlake said.
"It was just about approval of the ordinance, not approval of a business at this time," added Rethlake.
After hearing residents' points of view on the matter, the plan commission agreed to further consider the matter and voted to table the issue until their next meeting where they will discuss it further. Ultimately, the matter would end up in the hands of Whitley County Commissioners to consider.
Whitley County Plan Commission members include Bill Auer, Brandon Forrester, John Johnson, Kenneth Kerch, David Schilling, Mike Schrader, Kim Wheeler and Doug Wright.
According to Whitley County Economic Development Corporation president Alan Tio, even if the the zoning is changed and the company chooses to move forward with any plans to build a wind farm in Whitley County, it will be a lengthy process. Tio said they would need to determine if the level of wind energy that could be harnessed in Whitley County would be substantial enough to outweight the costs and time associated with building a wind farm here. The process would likely take 18 months or longer to complete.
To review the proposed ordinance, click here.
To learn more about a company interested in capturing wind energy in Whitley County, click here.