The last session of testimony about the proposed Broad Mountain Power windmill farm before the Packer Township Zoning Board took place in Packer’s open garage space on Tuesday. During a combined in-person and Zoom session, 12 residents of Packer Township came to the podium and one spoke to the gathering via telephone, all speaking against the proposal.

Their objections included noise - both audible and subaudible; spoiled views; diminished property values; diminished quality of life; loss of over-the-air TV signals; damage to area wildlife, especially bats and birds; and concerns about drinking water.

Once the residents had their say, board solicitor Greg Mousseau, moved to accept letters sent to the zoning board into the record. Both attorney Brian Stahl, for Broad Mountain Power, and Donald Karpowich, for the landowner, have objections in that there was no opportunity to cross-examine the authors.

Township solicitor Robert Yurchak said the Zoning Hearing Board is “the finder of facts.” He notes that the statements and speakers’ comments are “their own personal views.”

After discussion, and the reading of one letter that had arrived just prior to the meeting, an agreement was developed that neither the letters nor this night’s speakers will be “admitted as expert testimony.”

Mousseau said the letters will be available, and given “whatever weight (the zoning board) deems appropriate.” Adding that “we’ve made a good record.”

After a series of hearings that occurred from early 2019 to now, the evidence sessions are now closed and the board will now begin the steps to make a decision. By the agreement of all the attorneys, their comments will be in to the board by Nov. 16, with the board making a final decision by Dec. 30.

Regarding this timing, attorney Bruce Anders, representing a large number of the objectors to the project, asked that attorneys Stahl and Karpowich agree to a “formal waiver of the 45-days hearing rule.” They agreed, as did Yurchak and himself.

That done, Mousseau thanked the staff for a good session, and then the audience for their decorum, and closed the hearing.