Residents react to wind turbine idea

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Wind turbines could soon come to Tippecanoe County.

But at the commissioner meeting several people raised concerns about the ordinances the commissioners approved on first reading earlier this month.  One ordinance involves protecting the county and citizens when it comes to constructing wind turbines.   The other establishes the fee a company or property owner would pay to construct the windmills.

Residents are also concerned about the possible negative effects of a wind farm in their backyards.

"There is substantial evidence that these systems can cause disturbance to sleep," said Jim Pairitz.

"The idea was to make life a little less expensive and maybe a little greener, not more expensive.  If this amendment passes I will never build a windmill in this county and I doubt anyone else will after they check the costs," said Joe Rogers.

"My young family and infant son will not be able to enjoy the quiet countryside. The increased noise disturbance will come not only from the industrial wind turbines, but from all the traffic industrial sites require," said Julie Peretin.

Commissioner Tom Murtaugh said wind turbines would benefit Tippecanoe County.

"There's areas both in southern Tippecanoe County and the northwest corner of Tippecanoe County that are real prime for wind production.  There are companies who are going to be interested in developing those areas," said Murtaugh.

The Commissioners decided to hold off on passing the two ordinances on second reading today.  Instead, a vote will be taken at their first meeting in April.