It’s time for some transparency 

We were very disappointed to learn that the Miami County Commissioners would exclude members of the public being placed on the agenda if they wanted to talk about wind turbines.

If completed, this gigantic project will change the face of Miami County forever. Not to mention Fulton and Cass.

Whether you’re for or against, think of it: at least 75 wind turbines approximately 660 feet tall towering over the landscape.

What would that look like?

They would be over twice the height of the Statue of Liberty – which stands just 305 feet tall.

Wikipedia defines a Skyscraper this way: “a continuously habitable high-rise building that has over 40 floors and is taller than approximately 150 m (492 ft) …”

Taller than some skyscrapers.

In face, they would be just slightly smaller than Indianapolis’ tallest building, the Salesforce Tower, which stands 700 feet tall, not including the antennae spire, which adds another 111 feet. Forty-eight floors in all.

Meanwhile, the “average barn” – a more familiar structure in Miami County – has about two floors.

Don’t get us wrong: Big isn’t necessarily bad. However, the aesthetics alone should be enough to raise eyebrows and encourage discussion.

But there’s more. Much more.

Communities all over Indiana and the U.S. are literally up in arms over concerns about similar project.

Gatehouse Media, publisher of 142 daily newspapers, published a series in December of 2017 that’s called “In the Shadow of Wind Farms.”

Here’s the description:

“Wind farms generate clean energy, but living in their shadow has its costs, according to a six-month GateHouse Media investigation.

The report uncovered a litany of complaints and lawsuits from coast to coast. Wind farm developers from some of the biggest energy companies in the world have divided communities and angered residents, some of whom say the giant turbines have ruined their lives.

The turbines create relentless noises, vibrations and shadow flickers, according to some of those living nearby. Developers are accused of operating in secret and using aggressive tactics to obtain land leases. Energy officials call the complaints exaggerated.

The data-rich project was reported by National Data Projects Editor Emily Le Coz and investigative reporting intern Lucille Sherman (a senior journalism student at the University of Missouri). These investigative journalists compiled a list of over 450 families nationwide who spoke before state commissions and in legislative hearings. The Reporters also spoke with 70 families and 10 lawmakers, reviewed lawsuits and lease agreements.

What is it like to live near a wind farm? Our project takes you on a journey to understand the lives of those in the shadow. For example, you can experience the flicker created by the turning turbines with our simulation.

See for yourself. hear from the farmers. Check out the project.”

The series in online and can be found here: gatehousenews.com/windfarms/home/

We recommend that everyone take a look.

At this time, we also humbly call upon the developers to clearly lay out the entire project in a public forum.

Then all Miami County residents should learn as much as they can and decide whether this will be good for us.

From there, without ranker, state your case clearly and strongly to everyone who will listen. Discuss it. Debate it.

You’re encouraged to send letters for our opinion pages, as many have already done.

And by all means, insist that you be able to share your thoughts with various town boards and the Miami County County Council and County Commission within a reasonable time limit.

If a moratorium is required for everyone to consider all the facts, so be it.

It’s actually a time for officials to listen – and for some transparency.