As wind power continues to sweep across the state,
planners have watched closely to see how municipalities are reworking
blueprints and amending building codes to make way for the hulking
turbines. The latest case study can be found in the northern suburbs.
Ken Aldridge, CEO of Aldridge Electric Inc., is currently working on wind farm projects as far away as Utah. But in an effort to show his company’s commitment to alternative energy, he has submitted a proposal to erect a wind turbine to power his company’s building in Libertyville.
As a result, the town is grappling with the height, noise, and spacial requirements necessary to plant a free-standing turbine smack dab in the middle of a suburban community. The Daily Herald reports:
The request resulted in a crash course for Libertyville planners.
“Your typical zoning code will not address that,” said John Spoden, the village’s community development director. “We researched a number of community, state and county ordinances in the Midwest to come up with our proposal.”
That meant dealing with issues such as “shadow flicker,” a term that refers to moving shadows or shaded areas cast by the rotating blade of a wind turbine. Heights, distances from surrounding buildings and noise are other considerations.
The request may have put Libertyville planning officials in a tizzy, initially at least, but their work is likely make it easier for a growing number of suburban school and municipal officials—who are also entertaining the possibility of swapping electricity for wind—to implement their plans.
Image of wind turbine in Worcester, MA used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user RichSPK.
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