Wind Power Now a Reality In Lorain

Green Company at 7400 Industrial Pkwy Is The First To Use Wind Power

In February of 2008 I attended a Lorain Sustainability meeting on Advanced Renewable Energy and Energy Alternatives held at Jackalope’s Restaurant. In attendance were state, county and locally elected officials as well as businesses, citizens, wind turbine consultants, developers and energy entrepreneurs. The discussions were about Ohio’s Energy future, State of Ohio’s SB 221 the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, Advanced Renewable Energy Technologies and the green wave that was surging across the country.

It was after the sustainability council meeting that I felt the urgency to introduce the Green Team Lorain Resolution (pg 26). I met with the law department to review SB221 along with other cities policies. It was in March of 2008 that I drafted and submitted the Green Team Lorain resolution where it was held in committee for 6 months. After the resolution was sent to a second reading for the building and lands committee review it was later passed unanimously (pg 7) as Res 37-08 on Oct. 6, 2008.

Also, around the same time frame I met with a wind consultant about a proposed commercial wind turbine in the City of Lorain’s Industrial Park off of Baumhart Rd., but because the City of Lorain presently did not have any ordinances in regards to wind turbines. I saw an immediate need to draft an amending ordinance (pg2) that would allow for the first ever small wind turbine in the city of Lorain.

The planning commission reviewed and recommended (pg 1) the change on May 19th and on June 23 2008 a Public Hearing was held to discuss a proposed amendment to Codify Ordinance 1173.04. After the Public Hearing the ordinance went to first reading and was passed unanimously.

The foundation for a small wind turbine has been poured at Turtle Plastics, the turbine is on site and construction is to begin next week!