Zoning board unanimously recommends approval of northeastern McLean County wind farm

Posted on January 31, 2018

 

wind farm zba
Supporters and opponents of a proposed northeastern McLean County wind farm attended Tuesday night’s Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. The board voted unanimously to recommend Invenergy’s application to build the wind farm, which would be spread over five townships.(Photo by Howard Packowitz/WJBC)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Emotions ran high late Tuesday when the McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals voted to endorse a proposed wind farm, to be spread across five townships in the northeastern part of the county.

Sarah Emberton of rural Lexington shouted her displeasure at the zoning board and was in tears in the hallway outside the board room.

“They have given more consideration to an eagle’s nest and drainage tile than they have to my children’s well being and my ability to enjoy my property that I pay taxes on,” said Emberton.

She plans to take her fight to the full county board.

Objections to Invenergy’s application focused mainly on noise from the one-hundred turbines built across 13,000 acres, generating enough power to provide electricity to 69,000 homes.

Rural Chenoa farmer Joe Bertsche sold some of his land to Invenergy for the wind farm. He says he’ll live about 1,500 feet from one of the turbines.

“I’m willing to live with it because I’m far enough away,” said Bertsche.

“I don’t think it will bother me,” he added.

The county board is expected to take final action at its February 20 meeting.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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