Debate over wind energy in Prospect

Prospect , Conn. (WTNH) - The debate over wind energy draws mixed reviews in Prospect. The proposal to install two wind turbines had many residents protesting.

“It's a safety issue. It's a quality of life issue with the noise and what's called shadow flicker, as the setting sun goes through the blades,” said Tim Reilly of Prospect. “There’s so many issues here that it makes this the wrong place.”

Reilly led a protest rally Saturday morning. Many residents are troubled over BNE Energy's proposal to build the two wind turbines off Route 69.

"The benefit to us is nothing except noise and killing of our wildlife,” stated Marsha Schultz of Prospect. “And all these animals will take off and run somewhere else."

News 8 was told they’ll be 480 feet tall, or the size of about two football fields.

The proposed site for the wind turbines is on Victor Visockis, Sr.’s land.

“Well, the people that are against it are my friends and neighbors,” Victor said. “What else can I say?"

BNE Energy has been monitoring wind and climate conditions from a small, temporary tower on Victor’s property for almost two years. If the project moves forward, some estimate it could generate nearly $150,000 in tax revenue to Prospect, making it one of the largest taxpayers in town.

At the protest on the town green, Reilly’s group has petitioned the Sitting Council for a public hearing on the issue. He says it looks like they might get it.

"What you see, what you hear and what you do is going to change with progress,” Victor Visockis concluded. “It's been that way for a long time."