Helvetia warns against ‘predatory leases' for wind turbine installation
HELVETIA, W.Va. (WBOY) — The Helvetia Restoration and Development Organization, along with the Pickens Historical Society, is warning residents of leases they describe as misleading or potentially predatory.
According to a Facebook post from the Helvetia Restoration and Development Organization, landowners in Helvetia and Pickens are being approached with offers to lease their property for wind turbine development. The offers have concerned some community members, who have have already described their interactions at a meeting on May 3.
On Sunday, the Helvetia Restoration and Development Organization posted a list of its concerns on Facebook, along with a list of signs that a lease may be predatory to inform residents:
High-pressure tactics and rushed decisions
Vague or unclear language in the lease
Unrealistic promises or guarantees of income
Lack of transparency about project details
No guarantees of turbine maintenance, decommissioning, or property restoration
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The communities also discussed problems with the project in general, citing issues such as visual impact on the landscape, noise pollution, possible harm to wildlife, potential changes to property value, construction traffic and lifestyle disruption.
The organization is encouraging residents in both Helvetia and Pickens to do research and attend community meetings, as well as consult with a lawyer and not sign anything they may not fully understand.
For more information, you can email info@helvetiawv.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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