Neosho County Commissioners continued to hear comments about the proposed Neosho Ridge wind generation project Thursday.
The commission heard from a half-dozen opponents and supporters during a half-hour public forum, then continued to take discussion from Lori Whitworth and Dustie Elsworth for more than an hour on the regular agenda.
Apex Clean Energy has proposed building an electrical generation facility of 100 to 130 wind turbines on an area of approximately 41,000 acres in the southwest portion of Neosho County. Opponents Cheryl Burk and Shirley Estrada read prepared statements.
Ron Vyhlindl asked the opinion of Commissioner Paul Westhoff, whose district covers the project. Westhoff said he has concerns about the length of the proposed setback. Vyhlindl also said local business owners are reluctant to voice opinions in favor or against the project because of fears of backlash. Whitworth discussed the possibility of zoning and what steps the county might take to prevent construction.
“This is an exceedingly complicated issue,” Counselor Seth Jones said, noting that implementing zoning would mean getting a comprehensive plan of land use, appointing a planning commission, public hearings, and working with cities that have zoning outside their city limits.
(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)