On the evening of April 7^th,  the Huron County Planning Commission held a public hearing at the Expo Center in Bad Axe on proposed amendments to the Huron County Wind Energy Conversation Facility Overlay Zoning District ordinance.  The amendments included a setback increase from inhabited dwellings to 1,320 feet (originally 1,000), a noise reduction to 45 dBA (originally 50 dBA) and a height increase from turbine towers to 330 feet (originally 275) and a complaint resolution process.  

The parking lot was packed with pickup trucks and upon entering the Expo Center with DTE’s landbroker, Gary Bauer, greeting people at the door, it was quite apparent that the call went out for wind easement leaseholders to attend and dutifully inform the planning commission that they have no problems with the wind turbines on their land and do not hear any noise from them.  

The public was fortunate enough to have some individuals there who shared their testimonies of what it is like to live within a wind development.  Although their numbers were few, their testimony was powerful and very moving and perhaps the next opportunity that individuals have to speak more people will take the time to come forward and share their story.  

Thank you to all who attended.