On June 25th, 2008, my wife and I moved into our dream home in Phoenix, MD. We looked at over 75 properties in Baltimore County, and selected our home based upon two things: 1. the beautiful views of the rolling green country side and natural setting 2. Potential to resell if we have to relocate.

We just learned of Barry and Urszula Antonelli’s proposal currently under your review (Case 2008-0474-A) to construct a personal-use 120 foot /12 story windmill which will tower over our property, create noise pollution, damage the natural setting and environment, negatively impact property values and the local economy, and set a precedent for Baltimore County. The height of their accessory proposal exception request would exceed 175 - 200 feet over our home because the site is at the highest point in the area.

We would have not purchased the home if we had known that there were plans to build such a structure. We respectfully urge you to consider the economic and environmental impact of that this personal-use windmill tower will have on the appreciation and resale value of the homes and properties in our community. There are numerous studies of the noise surrounding these windmills. In fact, we have toured many places in Denmark and Sweden where these are very common, and noticed the loud noise they create. We agree with the concept of renewable energy when there is benefit for the greater good and all other environmental standards of equal importance are met. The noise pollution and obstruction of the natural beauty and landscape of the area will be far more detrimental to the community and the environment than the personal benefit the owners will get with their partial renewable energy tool.

Please kindly consider the recent decision by Governor Martin O’Malley, a supporter of environmental protection and renewable energy sources. He has over-turned the construction of a windmill farm in Western Maryland for the same reasons – which in this case was to benefit the entire state, not just one owner. O'Malley announces position on wind turbines April 12, 2008 by Associated Press in WJZ TV13
“Gov. Martin O'Malley said Saturday that his administration will not allow commercial wind turbines on state forest land, ending a heated four-month debate. While we must continue to explore and make progress on creating a more sustainable and independent energy future for Maryland, we will not do so at the expense of the special lands we hold in the public trust," the Democratic governor said. O'Malley spoke at a news conference at a scenic overlook in the Savage River State Forest....The state sought public comment on the concept, bringing 1,400 responses, 83 percent of them opposed, DNR spokeswoman Olivia Campbell said.”
We urge you to uphold the current limit of Baltimore Country for personal-use accessory structures to 15 feet and encourage development of other renewal energy technologies which provide the same benefits as a windmill, without the detriment to other homeowners, the community and environment.

Please let us know what we can do to be heard on this matter or if we can provide any additional information. Thank you for your consideration.

With warmest regards,

Concerned Citizens in Phoenix MD