Three 38-foot wind turbines proposed for the plaza near Arlington Heights Village Hall may have described as ”cute”‘ and “sexy,” but most trustees seemed to wonder if they were practical or helpful enough to the bottom line.
The turbines would convey the message that the village is environmentally progressive and would conserve energy, both goals of projects put forth to take advantage of a federal grant. But trustees agreed that while admirable, the money might be better spent on a new roof and windows at the police station.
Five projects, including the turbines, totaling $322,820 were recommended by Charles Perkins, the village’s director of planning and community development, as green efforts to fulfill the terms of the federal Energy Conservation block grant awarded in late 2009. Some of the $714,000 has been used for changing the downtown light fixtures to LED lights to grants and loans for local residents and businesses proactive in energy conservation. The remaining dollars need to be committed before May or be lost.
“I see it as a step forward, a green initiative and a good forward-thinking approach,” said trustee Carol Blackwood of the proposed turbines. “I think they are aesthetically pleasing and it’s a real positive message and I support it absolutely.”
Trustee Thomas Glasgow wasn’t so enthusiastic about the turbines, estimated to cost $149,538 and be built north of Village Hall and south of the railroad tracks.
“It’s cute and I understand the need and desire, but I think the money could be spent on better plans,” Glasgow said. “{Other projects may be} renewable and green but not as sexy as turbines but in the end save taxpayers money.”
Wind turbines are often criticized for their look, noise levels and slow return on investment. The ones in Arlington Heights would be tied into the electrical meter in the municipal garage to offset village electricity costs.
The actual cost savings is under study by village staff who also are looking at maintenance, sound decibel levels throughout the day and night, and kilowatt hours produced. But the return on investment could take up to 40 years.
Perkins said village staff explored a variety of projects to save energy before making recommendations to the board.
“It demonstrates our leadership role in pursuing new technology and providing long-term renewable energy benefits and showcasing that technology is available,” Perkins said. “They’re [the turbines] quite attractive and eye-appealing and an additional draw to bring people downtown to that park and plaza.”
A wind turbine was erected at Thomas Middle School in August and according to Perkins, is estimated to reduce electrical consumption by 9,000 kilowatts annually and would result in a decrease of approximately 14,412 pounds of carbon dioxide.
It is connected to the school’s power source, and at capacity, is estimated to power more than two classrooms, said Principal Thomas O’Rourke. The $27,000 turbine, paid for by the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation and matching funds from School District 25, is not expected to generate a return on investment for more than 10 years, but also has educational value.
“As long as we can pique the interest of students as an educational tool, the actual returns can’t be solely measured by power,” O’Rourke said. He regularly hosts field trips and informational seminars on the turbine and its ability to generate experimentation in the classroom about alternative energy, he said.
O’Rourke said there have not been any concerns about noise levels and that even on some recent windy days, the 40-foot wind turbine with six-foot blades couldn’t be heard over the traffic along neighboring Arlington Heights Road. he also said no one had complained of the aesthetics of the turbine.
Trustee Thomas Hayes said he had heard complaints and that was influencing his opinion of the proposed wind turbines near Village Hall.
“I’m concerned about the aesthetics,” he said. “If they’re like the one at Thomas, I would say absolutely not.”
Other projects being considered by the board include $69,882 to replace 140 high intensity lights with 140 energy-efficient fixtures at Arlington Town Square that is estimated to create an annual savings of $13,245 to Town Square residents and business; a $13,000 electric car for public works to utilize at village events, and a $10,000 movable energy exhibit intended for school field trips to be housed inside the Arlington Heights Metra train station.
The projects will be discussed again at the board December meeting. Perkins expects to collect the additional information the board requested on the turbines by then as well as itemize other proposed projects that may be eligible for funding under the energy grant.
