[ back ]
Auburn ice rink plans two wind turbines
(by Joan Demirjian - February 03, 2010)
Auburn ice rink plans two wind turbines
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Owners of the Pond ice-skating rink in Auburn Township are working to save on operating costs and use sustainable energy to reach that goal.
The Auburn board of zoning appeals last month approved the Pond's request to install two wind turbines for purposes of generating electricity for the facility at 9999 E. Washington St.
Auburn Zoning Inspector Frank Kitko said the owners are working with the township, and conditions pertaining to safety were set on the structures by the zoning board.
"They have agreed to address the township's concerns and keep us in the loop," Mr. Kitko said. One of his concerns is maintenance, and the owners will provide that information, he said. Most wind turbines installed today are monitored 24 hours, seven days a week, he said.
The issue of ice building up on the turbine blades has been discussed, he said. The turbines would not start or they shut down if there is ice on two or more of the four blades, Mr. Kitko said.
They agreed to put the Auburn Fire Department and his office on notice if there is a malfunction, he said.
There are no other wind turbines producing power in Auburn, Mr. Kitko said. "These were the first two applications, but there may be more."
Kevin Shaw and Scot Lowry, owners of the Pond, are working with consultant Kristopher McCrone, of Wind Energy Renivus.
Mr. Shaw said the efforts to install the turbines have been driven largely by energy costs and the goal of using renewable energy.
The process includes applying for grants that are available for wind-turbine use. "It's a relatively long process and there are still hurdles to overcome," Mr. Shaw said. The economics of the costs don't work without government help, he said.
However, once installed, the turbines will help save on operating costs, he said. "They will also provide an opportunity for the community to learn about green energy," Mr. Shaw said.
The towers are approximately 156 feet to the top blade when it is standing straight up.
If it produces more energy than needed by the Pond, it can be sold back to the community, he said.
Andre Lacroix is general manager and director of the hockey programs for the Pond.
The Pond serves predominately skaters who are 5 to 17 years old. High school hockey teams use the rink along with the Geauga Youth Hockey Association. Figure skaters use the rink as does the public.
Geauga County Planning Director David Dietrich said the use of wind turbines to generate energy is in its early stages. "Some people are talking of the possibilities. We've taken calls from people asking about them."
Some are farmers who are looking to supplement their operations, he said.
The county planning commission has written some model zoning for townships if they want to use them, he said. Some of the townships have addressed the issue with setback provisions to ensure that if the towers went down, they won't go over the property lines.
"They are structures and can be regulated through zoning and permits are required," Mr. Dietrich said.
Some townships treat them as permitted accessory structures with a requirement to obtain a zoning certificate. Other townships treat them as a conditional use and a hearing is held before a permit can be granted.
Conditions are set forth in the hearing, and that method offers more review as well as input from residents, Mr. Dietrich said.
There has been talk of wind farms in the county, and the northerly part of the county is said to be better because of the elevations, he said.
Currently, there is a consortium of counties led by Cuyahoga County looking at the possibilities of establishing a wind farm in Lake Erie.
The Kenston School District is planning to erect a wind turbine at the high school in Bainbridge. Bainbridge Zoning Inspector Shane Wrench said the township is looking at the specifications for the mechanics of the tower and whether the school is exempt from zoning. A tower violates the township's height regulations.
[ back ]
