FREEDOM -- A year later than the last decision, and by exactly the same margin, residents have voted to reject a commercial development review ordinance that could have hampered plans to build three wind turbines on Beaver Ridge.

First Selectwoman Carol Richardson reported that Tuesday's vote was 117 for the ordinance, 164 against. Last year, residents voted against the measure by a 159-112 vote.

Beaver Ridge Wind, an affiliate of Competitive Energy Service, already has begun construction of three 400-foot energy-generating turbines, on land it purchased from Ronald and Susan Price. The company hopes its turbines will power about 2,000 homes.

Richardson said she believes Tuesday's turnout was a town record. She isn't, however, convinced that strident opponents of the wind turbines will give up.

"They have a right to bring in a petition tonight with 36 signatures, and the board could vote to accept it, and put it on the November ballot," Richardson said. "In my heart I believe that this is not the end. This is just my thought."

By then, the turbines would be on line.

Beaver Ridge Wind project manager Andrew Price noted how consistent Freedom residents have been in support of the project.

"We're very pleased," said Price, nephew of Ron Price. "We're interested to note that the margin was very similar to the one that was held exactly one year ago, on exactly the same ordinance."

Earlier, Price said that Beaver Ridge Wind would proceed with construction, regardless of the vote, because the ordinance is not directly tied to the wind farm. The company holds a building permit.

The company did test borings in December, and began construction of foundation pads a few weeks ago, Price said. The turbines should be on line in late summer or early autumn, he said.

Opponents of the turbines have warned that they will disrupt a rural way of life. The turbines are noisy, and people living near them have reported sleep disruption, dizziness, ringing in the ears and problems concentrating.

Diane Winn and Marc Payne, owners of Avian Haven Bird Rehabilitation Center on nearby North Palermo Road, say they will move their operation if the turbines are built. Birds often die when they fly into wind turbines, they say.

Larry Grard -- 861-9239

lgrard@centralmaine.com