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Expert: Turbines could affect property values

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By Matt Sanctis and By Matt Sanctis
Staff Writer Updated 8:50 PM Tuesday, November 17, 2009

COLUMBUS — Wind turbines should be placed a little more than a mile from residential properties in an effort to eliminate disturbance from low frequency noise, an audio expert testified during hearings for a proposed plan to bring more than 70 electricity-generating wind turbines to Champaign County.

Rick James, an acoustical engineer testifying on behalf of the Union Neighbors United, a group of local residents opposed to the project, said the Buckeye Wind Project should place the turbines at least 1.25 miles away from a property to effectively curb noise disturbance.

However, attorneys representing the Buckeye Wind project questioned his study, citing a report produced by a separate expert who had critiqued James’ work. But James argued the other expert misinterpreted his work, saying there’s a difference in opinion.

Early in the day, another witness for Union Neighbors United testified that the development could hurt local property values.

Thomas Sherick, senior vice president at Gem Real Estate Group, testified Tuesday morning, Nov. 17, before the Ohio Power Siting Board during a hearing into the proposed Buckeye Wind Project.

Sherick said property values in Champaign County could be affected by how residents perceive the project, regardless of how much they know about the project.

“Perception is perception and that’s what affects market movements,” he said.

Attorneys representing the Buckeye Wind Project developers, Everpower Renewables of New York, questioned Sherick’s assumptions and argued he did not visit property lots or meet with residents when preparing his testimony.

Sherick was also called by Union Neighbors United, which called witnesses on Monday and Tuesday.

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Hey ag,
"Spotting up your farmland"? How can you be griping about "city people" when the farmers you're defending sold off their farmland in the first place? These welfare farmers invited city folks in as neighbors and now they don't want to be good neighbors to them. Talk about "biting the hand that feeds you"... farmers took the money from these hard-working city people and now they are willing to destroy the land value so they can pocket a few more bucks. I've lost all respect for them!

windbull
11:36 PM, 11/19/2009

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Let's just ignore all testimonies from these so called "experts" for a moment. Let's just pretend that you have a little cash in your pocket, a secure job and a growing family. You would like to purchase a home in a prosperous,proud community - one like Urbana/Mutual/Mechanicsburg. Do you want to invest all your hard earned $ into a property that will decline in value at the second that you sign on that dotted line? Do you want to jeopordize the health and safety of the family to the unknown?

Merry
3:35 PM, 11/19/2009

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ag,
the hand that feeds us? wouldn't that be the same hand that constantly picks our pockets for farm subsidies and, now, wind subsidies? we do worry about our land, because you certainly don't care about your neighbors or your community.

james
4:25 PM, 11/18/2009

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Put these in Yellow Springs were the liberals who support this stuff can enjoy the beauty of them in there back yard.

jim
12:48 PM, 11/18/2009

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To ag,

YEA....Another prospective Home Buyer For Me..!!

My house has been here since 1954...!!

Please Contact Me ASAP..!!!

Union Twp Home Owner
12:23 PM, 11/18/2009

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