Landowners who own many acres and reap major money benefits from wind turbines are opposed by those who believe the negative impact on the community is much greater than any positive outcome.

In East Grove Township, Lee County, 16 of the 23 planned turbines (69.6 percent) are on land owned by absentee landowners, many who don’t live anywhere near their land. Eight of 13 participating families (61.5 percent) are absentee landowners. Of the 13 families, only three have their residences on the same property as their turbine or turbines; one lives on property owned by a relative. Residents in the 31 homes in East Grove Township are not in favor of these turbines; for the few who do participate, turbines will not be anywhere near their homes.

The Big Sky project at Ohio doesn’t affect my property now; but I’ve witnessed TV interference, shadow flicker, and noise while visiting neighbors closer to the turbines. Should Phase I of the Mainstream project be approved in Lee County, this will change; the farm to the north is scheduled for a turbine; the farm to the west for two turbines – all owned by absentee landowners.