Libertyville firm stops wind turbine in response to noise complaints

A much-celebrated wind turbine that recently was installed at a Libertyville business has been deactivated because of neighbors' complaints.

The 120-foot-tall, three-bladed, energy generator at Aldridge Electric, 844 E. Rockland Road, was shut down earlier this week after Lake County Judge Mitchell Hoffmann signed a temporary restraining order.

That order was dissolved Thursday because company officials pledged to keep the device off while trying to resolve the issue with residents, said an attorney representing some of the homeowners.

"We have an open line of communication with (Aldridge)," said Rockford attorney Richard Porter, who has worked several cases concerning wind turbines.

The company's Lizzie Aldridge said the firm turned off the turbine voluntarily for maintenance.

"We do want to be good neighbors," she said.

The firm had said the turbine would save the company money and generate cleaner energy. At an early May ribbon-cutting ceremony, the device was hailed by politicians including U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, state Sen. Susan Garrett and Lake County Board member Pam Newton.

But some area residents complained the turbine is noisy and has disrupted their sleep.

Porter heard the Aldridge turbine before it was turned off.

"I have never experienced this loud of a turbine," he said. "It is louder than (many) wind farms I've been involved with."

Porter hopes to meet with Aldridge officials for a mediation session this month.