A conditional use hearing was held in Towamensing Township on Sept 6 for a wind turbine at the Service Team-Country Junction. It is a permitted conditional use in the heavy commercial district.

At an August hearing the township requested a copy of a contract with the provider, a guarantee of removal if it is decommissioned. for Universal Construction Code officer Carl Faust to receive specifications for electrical and manufacturing work, a decibel level and an application for either a variance or reverse subdivision because the wind turbine will be placed on a separate lot from the store location. Many of those requirements have been completed.Owner Jim Everett said, "We started last year and its getting frustrating."Forest Inn Property LLC, the property owner, wants to place two 100-kilowatt turbines.Engineer Bobby Beers said a zoning application for a variance will be filed."I feel it is so straightforward that the variance will be approved. Both deeds belong to Forest Inn Property LLC. There is no way to put them on the property with the store, but in the middle of a larger property," said Everett.He asked if the zoning decision can be appealed if the request is denied. Supervisor Guy Seifert said it can be appealed to the county Court of Common Pleas.Seifert said Everett would not be losing anything if they wait for the zoning hearing.A motion was made by Seifert for conditional approval. Conditions include submission of a plot plan, an electricity plan and layout to meet UCC requirements and a variance approved by the zoning hearing board.