Richfield Springs Planning Board Votes to Move Ahead with Wind Turbine Project

The Planning Board in the town of Richfield Springs held a special meeting tonight regarding the future of wind turbines in the town.  The board voted that there was no significant environmental impact of the turbines.  Thus, the developer will move ahead with the project.

The turnout was so large that they had to move the meeting to another location.

So many people came out that they exceeded the occupancy limit, and when people refused to leave, the planning board called in the Fire Marshall.  It was eventually decided to move the meeting to a place that could accommodate the large and passionate crowd.

The project being discussed was the building of 6 wind turbines in Richfield Springs, in the vicinty of route 20.  The turbines are supposed to provide sustainable green energy.

Although tonight's vote was just for the planning board, many residents at the meeting were very much against the project.  Those against the turbines say they'll decrease property value, kill migrating birds and bats, and say the vibrations can cause harm to humans, among other issues.

Chairman of the planning board Donald Urtz said while he understands everyone's concerns, the negative environmental effects are minimal, and he's heard more positive support for the turbines than negative.  Urtz did say to Eyewitness News that although the project is now set to move forward, he wouldn't be surprised if their decision was challenged.