CONNEAUT — A representative for an energy consulting firm urged City Council to stand firm when dealing with companies keen on erecting wind turbines on city-owned property.
Patti Shore, of Eurus Energy America Corp., said the city has every right to expect a fair return on the use of its land, regardless of how the property is used in a wind-farm project.
Shore’s company usually works with energy companies on such projects but also could help Conneaut secure the best deal possible, she said. Wind-related development agreements can be very complex and need to be far-reaching, Shore said. For example, a good agreement would detail what becomes of the turbines should the owner decide to walk away from the project, she said.
Shore’s visit comes on the heels of a new proposal from SGR Site Associates of Willoughby. SGR wants to buy 159 acres of wetlands within the East Conneaut Industrial Park for inclusion into a possible wind turbine farm on the city’s east side. A contract with SGR for the land recently was tabled by council for further study.
Late last week, SGR sent along a proposal offering to lease — not buy — the land, offering the city $6,000 a year for every turbine built on industrial park land, said Law Director Lori Lamer. However, last month an SGR representative said there was a chance no turbines would be erected on the parcel, which instead could be used for access roads.
Some council members favor leasing the land, believing it offers the best return for the city.
The city land sits between two larger privately -owned parcels. Combined, SGR envisions a 2,500-acre tract evenly split between Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Council spent more than an hour speaking with Shore, asking questions and seeking advice. At the end, however, members expressed no interest in retaining her company on the wind-farm matter.
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