Response to UPC Wind Development Proposal to Relocate 2 Towers in Sutton to Sheffield and Vote in Barton
Ridge Protectors
Ridge Protectors
This company is simply not getting the picture. They are trying to correct errors on a poorly sited project. This is their 3rd revision.
The problem with this project is not the number of turbines, it is the size of the towers and location of the project. The project now frames the southern end of Crystal Lake and its historic buildings, severely impacts King George School, neighboring homes and NEK’s growing tourism industry.
Developers have moved 2 towers and access roads, but this is still the same project – in the same area – impacting the same communities. Now, because of size and closer location to Crystal Lake and Sutton the impacts are even greater.
The history of this company is to propose a smaller version and apply for expansion within a year. Once the camels nose is under the tent, it is all down hill from there. It opens up this whole area to massive ridge line development.
They began with 298 ft towers, went to 320 and now are at 420 ft high. This is taller than most buildings in Boston. Over 42 stories. It is unprecedented in Vermont.
Our communities will spend over 1/2 million dollars protecting our historic buildings, lakes, private boarding schools, small towns and communities. We will fight as long as it takes. This latest proposal only makes the project worse in our view.
[The vote in Barton Tuesday night was 150-0 to oppose the project.]