Wind turbine idea in Hanover Park likely dead

Few issues proved as divisive over the past few years in Hanover Park as talk about erecting a wind turbine at Greenbrook School.

But residents who threw out terms like "visual pollution" and "property value nightmare" can relax - the likelihood of an industrial-size turbine in town is nil now that Keeneyville Elementary District 20 joined a partnership on the verge of building a rural wind farm.

"I never want to say never, but there's not as great an interest now," said District 20 Director of Operations Gary Ofisher, who made several presentations to the village board since 2007 in an attempt to win approval.

The development is a victory for former and current trustees who staunchly opposed the structure and sparred over safety concerns and aesthetics.

Instead, District 20 is joining Carpentersville District 300 and Prospect Heights Elementary District 23 in developing a 20-megawatt wind farm consisting of 13 turbines in Stark County, about a two-hour drive southwest of Hanover Park.

Recent legislation led by state Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, resulted in the School District Intergovernmental Cooperation Renewable Energy Act allowing for the partnership.

Ofisher and Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig, who strongly supported the original proposal for a 300-foot-tall turbine at Greenbrook, are hopeful that residents will get on board with placing a much smaller educational turbine in its place.

The structure, which would range from 70 to 100 feet in height, would produce a nominal amount of energy - perhaps enough to light a classroom. Its purpose would be for training and implementing a curriculum about alternative energy.

"I think a smaller turbine makes more sense and will fit the community in a more reasonable way," Craig said. "As long as it doesn't add to the tax burden, I'm in favor of it."

Ofisher also envisions students taking field trips to the wind farm, where he hopes a favorable bidding climate will allow room in the budget to construct a classroom within the maintenance facility.