Public speaks out on wind opinions
JEFFERSON COUNTY, N.Y. — It sits 12 miles off the Town of Hounsfield shore. It’s not a place people hang out, but for many, it’s one of those peaceful views in a hectic time. That’s why a lot of people in Jefferson County are not happy about a plan to put 84 wind turbines on it.
“We’re going to tarnish 2,200 acres, clear cut, bring it down to the bedrock forever, for 20 years,” Rob Aliasso, Co-Chair of the Coalition for the Preservation of the Golden Crescent said. “For me, that’s the greenscape. That’s green and people should be concerned about that as much as green energy production.”
People from all over the county who are against the deal let it be known at a town planning board public hearing Monday. The board will soon decide whether or not to move forward with the site plan.
One man says the turbines might put him out of the campsite business.
“My customers have told me bluntly that if we have wind turbines where we overlook, they’re going to have to leave because of the flashing red lights,” John Byrne, a Cape Vincent business owner said.
But not everyone feels that way, saying the project brings much needed money to the area.
“There’s a lot of people who are not really worried about the recession and the impact of economics on them because they’re comfortable the way they are,” said Kathleen Mereand, a Hounsfield resident. “Those people are selfish.”
As for questions of why, if wind is so lucrative, the developer Upstate New York Power Corporation won’t build without government help, a company rep wouldn’t comment, but a man pro-wind did.
“Thirty, 40, 50 years ago, any of the hydro power projects that were built here were all federally subsidized. Any of the nuclear that were built, Oswego for example, used public funds to put those together,” Kurt Berner, a Rochester resident said. “Any gas and oil projects.”
People have until January 4th to issue a written statement on this project. From there, the board says it will take relatively quick action on whether or not to approve this site plan.
To send in those comments, write to:
Town of Hounsfield Planning Board
c/o Diane Neir, Clerk
Town of Hounsfield Municipal Office
18774 County Route 66
Watertown, NY 13601
By: Brian Dwyer
News 10 Now
22 December 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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