Town Approves Permit for 15-16 Turbine Locations

Jul. 28–LEMPSTER — Initial construction for a windmill project along Lempster Mountain’s ridgeline could start as early as this fall with the approval by the town of a building permit for 15-16 turbine locations last week.

A representative of Community Energy, the company proposing the project, confirmed Wednesday the permit had been approved by the town At a selectboard meeting Wednesday night, resident Jeff Dwyer, who presented a petition to hold a vote on an emergency zoning ordinance, said he had heard the town issued the permit on Friday.

The seletboard refused to address Dwyer’s claim.

Later, Jeff Keeler, New England director for Community Energy, confirmed the permit was approved last week. It specifies a variable number of turbine locations, he said, because the project is still in the early stages.

Construction could begin in the fall on initial phases such as roads, power lines and underground cable installation.

The permit application was submitted in May.

The selectboard set Sept. 20 for the vote on the emergency zoning ordinance.

The town’s attorney, Mike Shklar, told residents at the meeting that if the ordinance is adopted it would not stop the wind power project, saying that the town’s role regarding the windmill project is limited.

“The town does not have a role … because this town does not have land use ordinances,” he said.

Shklar added that the hearing and the town meeting are for the express purpose of considering zoning.

“It’s not about windmills, it’s about land use ordinances,” he said. He added that the town has no power of regulation right now.

More than 30 residents turned out for the selectboard meeting, but board chairman Everett Thurber made it clear with a statement at the start discussion was going to be limited “Tonight is a regular selectmen’s meeting, not a hearing,” he said.

Dwyer formally submitted the petition to the board calling for a special town meeting to vote on the adoption of emergency zoning ordinances.

Although Thurber said the signatures need to be verified, the town meeting date was set. A public hearing will be held Sept. 13.

The town meeting allows for public debate prior to the vote. Polls will be open for two hours after debate ends. Residents will vote by ballot.

A resident expressed concern that some of the petition’s signatures were obtained outside the post office, which is federal property.

Police Chief Shady Blackwell said Dwyer moved when he was told to and dismissed the concern about the legitimacy of the signatures that were obtained at that time.

“It’s immaterial because a registered voter is a registered voter no matter where the signature is obtained,” Blackwell said.

Although other residents voiced concerns at different points during the meeting, Thurber kept a tight rein on public comment.

Keeler asked the board to consider the possibility of collaborating on the project with Community Energy. He said the possible outcome could be the creation of a memorandum of understanding outlining agreed negotiations between the company and the town.

Thurber encouraged Keeler to pursue an open house on wind energy for the general public. Keeler said later that although the company is waiting for feedback on its collaborative proposal, plans are to host an open house in August. He said Community Energy will bring in experts from different fields such as wildlife and the environment to talk with residents about their concerns.

Community Energy plans to place 10 to 20 wind turbines, 200 feet tall on Lempster Mountain’s ridgeline. The project will be on land leased from Kevin Onnela.

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Copyright (c) 2005, Eagle Times, Claremont, N.H.

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