Brunswick County residents gather to learn about proposed wind turbines

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) – Residents living in Brunswick County were able to get a good look at what offshore wind turbines might look like off of our coast.

Monday evening the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management hosted a public meeting to display their results of a visualization study.

“I think they’re great. It’s the way of the future,” said Art Fontaine.

Fontaine has spent the last several years enjoying the Carolina coastline.

He says he attended Monday’s public meeting to learn more about the wind turbines that could potentially obstruct the view he loves.

“When looking at the pictures, the larger model looks like a ship sailing across the ocean about 10 miles away,” said Fontaine.

Dozens of people from across the county attended the meeting sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

“Looking at the economic boom that this could be to North Carolina, but to the entire east coast,” said Randy Sturgill.

Sturgill doesn’t just live in the area; he works as a campaign organizer in favor of the wind turbine project.

Officials set up a simulation so residents could see what the turbines would look like if they were built.

“A visual stimulation of what it is going to look like from the beaches. That is a major concern for people and I think this simulation will put those fears to rest,” said Sturgill.

Officials say any decisions on the project is still several years away.

Another public meeting is scheduled from Wednesday, August 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the South Brunswick Islands Center, 9400 Ocean Highway 17 W; Carolina Shores, N.C. 29467.