WATERTOWN, Conn. -- A Watertown family that is hoping to utilize the wind's power is being met by opposition from its neighbors.

Kurt and Denise Karpavich live atop a hill in Waterbury. Their plan is to generate energy by installing a wind turbine in their back yard.

"It's great for the environment. It's a natural resource that we have here, we might as well use it," Kurt Karpavich said.

The couple already uses solar power in their home and said using the power of the wind is a logical next step. The turbine would go next to the couple's house and would sit on a 44-foot pole and have six blades, reaching about 51 feet. The turbine's manufacturer said it is nearly silent.

The couple said the turbine would cut down their electrical costs by about 50 percent.

The couple's neighbors have complained about the proposed project. The top of the turbine would be taller than the closest neighbor's home. About a dozen of the neighbors have signed a petition trying to keep the turbine plan from becoming reality.

"There's really no difference from a flagpoleto this thing. They really don't understand what this thing looks like. They're just picturing the old windmills," Karpavich said.

The project must be approved by Watertown's Zoning Board. A hearing is planned for later in the month. The Karpaviches said that if they don't get approval for the 51-foot turbine, they'll install a 35-foot turbine, which is allowed without zoning permission.

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