DIXON – A proposed wind farm in southwestern Lee County likely would cause nearby property values to drop, a property appraiser said Wednesday.

Appraiser Michael McCann of Chicago testified before the Lee County Zoning Board of Appeals on Ireland-based Mainstream Renewable Power’s plan for 53 turbines.

The board already has heard from another appraiser, Michael Crowley of Bureau County, who was paid by Mainstream. He contended he could find no evidence that the proposed turbines would hurt the value of nearby properties long term.