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Impact to property values has been the key issue in the controversial application, with real estate appraisers, speaking on behalf of Optiwind, maintaining that similar structures had not negatively affected surrounding residential areas.
Critics of the plan in Goshen, meanwhile, have argued that because a turbine with this design has never been built, there could be no concrete evidence with regard to property values.
Optiwind's second application was submitted in January, after the first proposal was denied last October on the grounds of potential harm to the development of the adjacent property and the same concern for the character of the neighborhood. The first denial, unlike Monday's decision, did not cite any conflict with Goshen's regulations specific to wind turbines.
"My clients are very thankful that the commission gave a thoughtful and thorough analysis that was supported by the record," said attorney Perley Grimes, who represents the abutting landowners.
He expects a pending court appeal of the first denial and any legal action taken as a result of this second ruling to be unsuccessful. The neighbors were granted intervening party status in the former case, filed in Litchfield Superior Court, and will seek the condition again should there be new or additional litigation.
"We will appeal this decision," said Dave Hurwitt, vice president of Optiwind. "We feel we have excellent grounds for our appeal."
He stressed that the company is dedicated to investing in alternative energy in its home state before working in other parts of the country, as well as cultivating jobs in Litchfield County. Already, a number of people from around Connecticut have contacted Mr. Hurwitt about bringing Optiwind's turbines to their towns, he said.
"Lots of good can come of pressing forward," Mr. Hurwitt said.
