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The Connecticut Siting Council has voted to approve the second of two wind projects in Colebrook. The Council approved turbines that are shorter than the ones the company originally proposed. WNPR’s Nancy Cohen reports a number of protesters were there for the vote.
With a vote of 9 to 1 the Siting Council approved what could become Connecticut’s first commercial wind farm. But as the Council voted, one opponent called out “Shame on you!” Others held signs saying 'Stop Industrial Wind Turbines in Neighborhoods.' But the developer Paul Corey of BNE Energy says the vote sent the right message to the wind industry.
“We’re very please with the decision. We think it’s a great day for renewable energy in the state of Connecticut.”
Corey’s company proposed 492 foot high turbines, including the blades. But for Colebrook North, the second of two wind projects in the town, the Council approved turbines that are about 65 feet shorter. Corey says there’s more wind at the higher elevations.
“It will likely reduce the amount of electricity generated from the project overall.”
The height reduction did not appease neighbors. Jeanne Jones, who lives a mile and half from the project, says it will reduce her enjoyment of her property,
“For this kind of turbines to be put up with the noise, the destruction of property values its just unconscionable.”
Stella Somers runs a B and B in a historic building that would be within sight of the turbines . The State Historic Preservation office determined they would alter the character of her property.
"To ignore the State Historic Preservation Office is really, literally an affront.”
The Council’s decision comes just after a bill was passed that requires the Siting Council to adopt regulations that address the noise and proximity of wind turbines to homes. But that bill doesn’t change this decision.
The approval of Colebrook Wind could still be appealed by opponents. And the Council’s earlier decision to reject another BNE wind project in Prospect could also be appealed.
