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SPANISH FORK, Utah (AP) -- The City Council has amended zoning laws to allow wind turbines to be built at two sites.
The council unanimously approved the zoning change Tuesday over the opposition of some residents, including Robert Ward.
Ward questioned the effects on the city if the parent company had financial problems or if there were accidents with the turbines.
"I doubt it'll be the landowner (taking care of the problem)," he said. "I doubt it'll be the company. I bet it'll be the taxpayers."
Kip Rasmussen said he was not necessarily opposed, but he did not want to see the windmills from his window.
"That's why we bought where we did, so we could look out on something nice," he said.
Steve Aldana said he thought they were a good addition to the scenery, giving Spanish Fork a progressive, environmentally friendly look.
Councilman Seth Sorensen, who lives in the neighborhood, also said he appreciated the addition.
"I think it's a worthwhile project to promote clean energy," he said.
Resident Robert Pittelli said the turbines will be built in a pit that already is an eyesore.
"Where I live I can see the whole part of the valley, and anything will be better than what we have now," he said.
Resident Dean Davis said he believes the windmills are better than mass suburban development.
The company does have several limitations while building, including not interfering with broadcast signals, building 500 feet from a residential area, placing signs on the turbines and having an engineering analysis to ensure compliance.
The area still could have light industrial use, as buildings could be constructed below the blades.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
