Published June 26, 2008 10:13 pm - Wind turbines proposed for a portion of the East Conneaut Industrial Park would occupy land that now contains wetlands, not property earmarked for commercial growth, interim City Manager Edward Somppi said Thursday.
Wind turbines would be located in wetlands area Property still earmarked for industry
By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
CONNEAUT — Wind turbines proposed for a portion of the East Conneaut Industrial Park would occupy land that now contains wetlands, not property earmarked for commercial growth, interim City Manager Edward Somppi said Thursday.
“We wouldn’t involve the good, developable land,” Somppi said.
City officials continue to talk with representatives of SRG Sites Associates of Willoughby, which wants to buy at least 159 acres of the 286-acre park and market it to a company that would install wind turbine generators.
SRG would conduct feasibility studies and do research in advance of offering the property to an energy company, Somppi said. SRG has also extended offers to landowners north and south of the industrial park, officials have said. Some of the parcels extend into Pennsylvania.
As many as 20 of the giant turbines could rise on the city land, more if the other parcels are included, Somppi said.
City leaders are trying to arrange a public information meeting with SRG representatives to explain the project. A date has not been set.
“We’re hoping (SRG) can bring maps and photos,” Somppi said.
For the past two years, the city has been lining up government grants and loans to improve nearly 60 acres of prime property of the park with sewer and water line extensions and construction of a road through the parcel. Those plans are still intact, officials say.
The city acquired more than 400 acres of land owned by the former U.S. Steel to entice a state prison to the area. Less than 100 acres is used by the Lake Erie Correctional Institution.
The balance of the land, which abuts the Pennsylvania line, is bisected by Route 20.
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