With all the emotion of the vote for the Stamford Town Local Law on Industrial Wind Turbines on May 16, I forgot to acknowledge a very important segment of our community _ the newly formed “Concerned Residents of Township Valley.”
In three weeks, this group of people got together and epitomized the word “neighbors.” In this short period of time organizers collected 125 signatures from valley residents and 77 signatures from friends; an incredible 90 percent of the Township area.
These residents aren’t “second homeowners, newcomers, divisive or agitators” as many turbine proponents choose to call anyone who dares to oppose the turbines. They’re our neighbors, our friends, people we meet at the post office, supermarket, horseshoe festival. They’re the folks we socialize with, invite to our homes and visit theirs for coffee, dinner or to meet their families.
Most are longtime, if not lifelong, residents of the Township area. They’re also the residents of the town of Stamford who will be most adversely affected if these turbines are built. Many have their life savings wrapped up in this investment. Should they sell before the turbines are built, because they won’t be able to after the project begins? Should they hold on, hoping the project is stopped and they won’t want to sell? What a “Catch 22” situation!
Although I don’t think this project will ever see the light of day, we will all be the losers if it does. If anyone believes the energy companies will stop at 20 turbines in the town of Stamford, they’re dreaming. There’s not enough money in it for them. You’ll soon see the law changed to 40 or 100 or any unlimited number they choose to build. Nothing will stop them once they begin.
We have to stop them before they get started.
Barbara Doyle
Hobart
1 June 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/06/02/group-members-are-neighbors/