Document Actions
Communicating with Neighbors
Communicating with Neighbors
Once a project site is identified and site control is established, inform neighbors about plans for wind development. Also, identify potential neighborliness issues while project planning is preliminary enough to avoid or mitigate conflicts.
Because local permitting processes usually include some vehicle for public comment, which decision-makers will consider when deciding whether to approve a permit, public support for or opposition to wind development can make or break a project. It is, therefore, critical to cultivate support for your project within the local community.
When presenting information on the project to neighbors or the community at large, be able to clearly describe the scale and specifics of the proposed project. Be ready with information about the technology, project design, and expected impacts on neighbors, wildlife, views, etc. In particular, because utility-scale wind turbines are a fairly new and unfamiliar technology for our region, be prepared to correct any misconceptions about the project or wind energy in general by referring to the latest, best available information.
Clearly articulating the expected community benefits of the proposed project should help develop community support. When available, share projections for job growth, local government tax revenues to be paid by the project, lease payments for local landowners, business generated for local contractors during construction and O&M, and other expected economic benefits. This information may be presented in general terms when necessary; for example, to respect the private financial information of participating landowners.
