Freedom (Maine) Planning Board approves wind project

[jpak]

http://belfast.villagesoup.com/Government/story.cfm?storyID=83227

Although the vote was not unanimous, none of the Planning Board members were actually opposed to the project. While he believes the wind turbines are a good idea, Prentice Grassi said developer Competitive Energy Services of Portland failed to adequately address whether the project would comply with Freedom’s noise standards.

Prentice Grassi, left, cast the lone dissenting vote Thursday in the Freedom Planning Board's 5-1 approval of the Beaver Ridge wind power project. At right is board member Kim Holmes. (Photo by Andy Kekacs)

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CES wants to build three, 400-foot wind turbines on Beaver Ridge. According to the company, the turbines would generate enough electricity to power 2,000 Maine households. Construction would begin in spring 2008.

Richard Silkman, a principal in CES, said the citizen board had done well in its review of the $12 million project. “You could see how diligent the planning board was in its debate and discussion,” he said.

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