Residents voice concerns about impact of wind projects on roads during installation

ATTICA — Venice Township residents Gail and Richard Miller addressed Attica Village Council during its Thursday night meeting. Mrs. Miller recited a letter of opposition to the proposed wind turbines in the vicinity but voiced her concern for another related problem not getting much attention. After accessing the Ohio Power Siting Board website, she learned the sPower and Republic Wind applications list the roads that will be affected. Final delivery routes have not been determined, but Republic Wind proposes to access I-80/90 from the northeast to SR 4 and I-80/90 from the northwest to SR 53 and US 20. sPower proposes I-80/90 from the northeast to SR 4 and I-75 to US 224 from the northwest. Secondary access roads include SR 162, SR 19 and SR 67 while tertiary roads may be CR 36, CR 16, CR 43, CR 6 and CR 58. Township roads mentioned include 197, 12, 104, 81, 8, 79, 77, 106, 173 and 44. Both companies' routes may involve road widening, upgrading or replacing bridges or culverts, profile modifications at railroad crossings, raising electric lines across roads, utility pole relocation and tree trimming. She believes that moving large track-mounted cranes, terrain cranes, boom trucks and heavy turbine components will break down local roads and cause delays and detours for local residents. Local contractors would haul gravel and cement over those roads, too. She said she hopes the county engineer has a firm road utilities maintenance agreement with the companies to repair the roads following construction. The Millers invited the public to participate in Venice Township's meeting about the turbines at 7 p.m. Monday at the Attica Fairgrounds. Village Administrator Greg Martin announced that a hazardous eyesore has been removed from the village. The abandoned Eagles facility was demolished, leaving a cleared-off lot. The village has received a query from the American Legion about creating a Veterans' Memorial in the area, and another party questioned placing a gazebo there, also. Martin reported the completion of the water line to Sunrise and the addition of its taps. Police Chief Keith Turner informed council members he has applied for a grant to secure five bulletproof vests for his department. The grant has a 25-percent matching fund obligation from the village. He said 45 Kid IDs were created for youngsters during Attica Independent Fair week, while gun safety literature was distributed to young people. He noted bike helmets were provided by Mercy Health – Willard Hospital and information on the Project Lifesaver program was shared. Councilman Louis Sanders noted the fire association has scheduled a gun raffle during September. Any questions may be directed to Fire Chief Lonnie James. Councilman Nate Frisch thanked former councilman Jeff Painter for the years he headed up the effort to procure American flags for the community and display them along US 224 and SR 4 through the village. The Legion Riders and Sons of the Legion plan to continue the project. Sons of the Legion are sponsoring Party in the Park again this year. The event is scheduled for Sept. 21-22. Activities include softball tournaments, corn hole, a poker run, gun raffles and food vendors. Those interested in participating may call Tim Heibertshausen, (419) 271-0180; Dillon Thornton, (419) 706-8157; or Mike Reisinger, (567) 224-7750. In other matters, the council: • Has an open seat. • Discussed tree planting. • Approved hiring Angela Depinet as fiscal officer. Mayor Bryan Shock introduced her to those present. • Heard the third reading of the ordinance created by Councilman Kirk Stanfield to eliminate the flat-rate sewer charge for customers. Councilman Ed Treft moved for approval, with Stanfield offering the second. The ordinance failed by a 3-2 vote. Council is scheduled to meet at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13.