The members of the Penn Forest Zoning Hearing Board unanimously voted to deny the special exception application of Atlantic Wind, which sought to construct 28 nearly 600-foot-tall industrial wind turbines in the township.

“It was not just one thing,” said board member Paul Fogel. “But it is a secondary use on property in a residential zone.”

“The rule of law and the findings of fact support the point that it’s just not a fit for the township,” said board Chairwoman Audrey Wargo.

The turbines would have been constructed on property belonging to the Bethlehem Water Authority. The authority leased the property to Atlantic Wind and supported its efforts to obtain the special exception application.

Many of the township’s residents were outspoken in opposition to the project.

“I think that the zoning hearing board put a lot of time and effort into the decision that they made tonight,” said Marcus Laurence, an opponent of the project.

“They took the time to listen to the arguments, and I am glad that they see that the arguments made by the objectors were the strongest.

“I am happy that the board did their job to protect and maintain the character of the community, because that is what this is all about.”

Objector A. Christopher Mangold lives on property adjacent to the water authority and is in litigation with Atlantic Wind regarding a previous application currently before the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas.

The first application, for 37 turbines, was deemed approved by operation of law, and Mangold was among those who petitioned the court to reject the deemed approval.

The court is set to hear arguments on that case in the new year.

Mangold was happy with the hearing board’s decision.

“I am very pleased with the zoning hearing board’s ruling,” he said. “We feel that the rule of law and the facts were on our side. This is a win for the residents for Penn Forest Township.”

Attorneys for Atlantic Wind did not comment on the decision. Atlantic Wind has been contacted for comment.

The board has 45 days to issue its written decision, after which either side may appeal the decision to the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas.