Wind turbines are on target to being built in Wells County
- Updated: Thursday, August 15, 2013, 3:21 PM EDT
- Published: Thursday, August 15, 2013, 12:15 AM EDT
BLUFFTON, Ind. (WANE) - The Wells County Area Plan Commission board voted 6 to 3 to approve the modifications of where wind turbines will be built in the county.
Michael Lautzenheiser, the Area Plan Commission Director, said this isn't the green light for Apex, the company putting up the turbines, to start construction.
"The county commissioner and county councils still have to review the economic development agreement and the decommissioning plans for these projects," Lautzenheiser said.
Many people living in Wells County were very vocal at Wednesday night's meeting showing opposition to the vote. Lautzenheiser said he understands why people are against the vote.
"We have a new ordinance that has a bigger setback requirement, however, it can't apply to these because it was filed first," he said.
Chuck Brooks, a homeowner in Wells County, has been against the plan.
"These projects should be harmonious, they have to be compatible with what's already there, and there's nothing compatible in southern Wells County with a 500 foot wind turbine," he said.
Shane Harris, a representative of Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, is for the project because about bringing jobs to the area.
"We have built ever single wind turbine in Indiana, which has created almost a million construction hours for our workers out there in the field. So, it's been a great economic benefit for us," he said.
Those against the board's vote have 30 days to appeal.