LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted August 15, 2018

Dear Editor:

I am writing this editorial concerning approval of the three remaining Wind Energy Ordinance changes that are to be considered in a special meeting of the DeWitt County Board on Aug 22, 2018.  The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) studied six changes:  noise limits, require IDNR wildlife recommendations be followed, electromagnetic interference, property line setback, shadow flicker limits, and aircraft detection lighting.  Only the last three were recommended by the ZBA.

I encourage the County Board to approve the last three recommendations, but also to revisit the other three.  During the ZBA hearing, it appeared to me that wording changes to the other three could be made by the Board to make them more legally palatable. 

The County Board should give more consideration to the residents who live near the proposed wind turbine locations but do not receive any compensation for the intrusion on their personal and property rights.  Contrary to the claims of the Wind Company, none of these changes will stop the construction.  Non-participating residents could be compensated if they so desire for a closer placement of the wind turbines to their property.  I encourage all residents of DeWitt County to attend this special meeting and speak your mind.

Terry Husted

Birkbeck, Illinois