Miami County Board of Commissioners Discuss Current Wind Farm Ordinance

MIAMI COUNTY, Ind. – Miami County Board of Commissioners met Monday and discussed the county’s current wind farm ordinance, which sets the guidelines for a proposed wind project that could bring about 75 turbines to the northern part of the county. Miami County’s current wind farm ordinance was approved by the county plan commission in 2011. Commissioner Alan Hunt at the time served on that commission and voted in favor of the ordinance. But on Monday, Hunt expressed opposition to the ordinance he helped pass six years ago. Hunt said his biggest issue with the ordinance is the 1,000-foot setback of turbines from residential dwellings. Under that rule, landowners could not build a home within 1,000 feet of a turbine, even if the tower wasn’t on their property. Greg Deeds, a former county commissioner who works as a land surveyor, said he supported wind farms when he served on the board, but believes the ordinance is now outdated. County Attorney Pat Roberts Monday said any changes to the ordinance would first have to be approved by the plan commission and then receive final approval from commissioners. He told those opposing the wind project to draft a proposal and bring it to the plan commission. The next plan commission meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. Wind farm opponents already have requested to speak at the meeting about changing the ordinance.

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