May 9, 2007
New York
New York
Despite a one year moratorium on development of a wind farm in the town of Hamlin, residents are keeping the issue at the forefront.
New signs are popping up near the proposed site. Some are in favor. Some are strongly opposed.
The town is clearly divided over plans for a 50-turbine wind farm.
“There’s only one good sign out there, it says, know wind turbines, but it’s K-N-O-W. It’s the first intelligent sign I’ve seen. If I had that, I would have put that up first, ” said Craig Murphy.
Murphy rents his third generation farm in Hamlin. He said people need to learn the pros and cons, before they stamp the project yes or no.
“I feel we have to give it an opportunity to at least investigate it, take a look at it, see if it doesn’t help the town, that’s good too,” said Murphy.
Wind farms are popping up all over New York State, boasting clean power and cheaper electric bills.
Developers are interested in property that runs between Cook and Redman Roads in Hamlin.
Some people worry it will disrupt the wildlife.
“There’s a large number of raptor birds such as bald eagles, falcons that go through the area, just in this area along the lakeshore, those could be affected by the wings of the turbine,” said Hamlin resident Brent Habgood.
A special committee meets twice a month to research the project.
Members have seven months to come up with some solid recommendations.
In March, a moratorium passed, preventing wind farm development until January of 2008.
by Mary McCombs
by Todd Krupa
7 May 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/05/09/wind-farm-at-forefront-in-hamlin/