LOCAL - McLean Co. Wind Farm Questioned By Residents

Residents question Benson wind farm (Pantagraph) By Cheryl Wolfecwolfe@mtco.com BENSON — A proposed 80-turbine wind farm near Benson has generated concerns among some local residents about the value of the project.A group of about 150 people attended a meeting of the finance and development committee of the Woodford County Board this week in the Roanoke-Benson Junior High gym. Representatives of Navitas Energy, the Minneapolis-based company developing the project, answered questions posed by residents. Chief among their concerns were the effects on health, property values, and what would happen if the wind farm is eventually abandoned. "We’re serious about building this project," Navitas engineer Paul Eberth said. "It’s a big project. It has a big impact on the area." Eberth said the company has already leased land, acquired necessary utility easements and purchased land for a substation near Benson. Eberth said no studies have been done that show ill effects to the health of people living near the turbines. While economic benefit issues will be addressed further at meetings of the county zoning board, Eberth said the turbines will generate additional real estate taxes for local governing bodies. Energy generated will be purchase by Commonwealth Edison, but most likely will be sold to the Chicago area. Eberth said Navitas is putting financial safeguards in place in case the wind farm ever needs to be disassembled. "We are in this for the long haul," Eberth said. "If we have to take the project down someday, we would work with the county and have a financial guarantee in place that can be accessed for that purpose." Moore said the Benson project has not been affected by federal stopgaps citing interference of wind turbines with certain types of radar. Navitas will now begin the permitting process, which will need to be approved through the zoning and full county boards. It hopes to have permits in place no later than November with construction slated to begin in April 2007. Navitas hopes to have the wind farm in operation by December 2007. The company also developed the Mendota Hills wind farm visible from Interstate 39 near Paw Paw.The Benson project is among several wind farms planned for the Central Illinois area, with others slated for Saybrook, Hudson, Delavan, northern Livingston County and Lee County. If you enjoyed this post, subscribe and get FREE updates! Real Estate , Bloomington , McLean