Scaled-down Jordanville wind project approved
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The state Public Service Commission accepted a scaled-down version of the proposed Jordanville wind project.
The commission reduced the plans from a 68-turbine, 136-megawatt project to a 49-turbine, 98-megawatt project last week to avoid adverse environmental impacts on the Glimmerglass Historic District.
The commission took into account public comments and environmental concerns, spokesperson James Denn said.
Farmer Ed Mower, 70, has been involved with trying to bring the project to Jordanville for about five years. Turbines planned for his property were eliminated. He plans to fight the decision and continue to support the project, he said.
He plans to have lawyers look into the possibility of appealing, write letters to state officials and agricultural groups and ask commission representatives to arrange a public forum in Jordanville, he said.
“How could these people sit out there and make this decision?” he said.
Otsego 2000 members, who were involved with opposing the project’s original plan, are still digesting the commission’s decision and trying to figure out if all their concerns about water and historic resources were addressed, Executive Director Martha Frey said.
“We were pleased to see them address this concern,” Frey said. “We feel very strongly that the environmental issue should not be disregarded just to make money.”
The project will still be visible from Otsego Lake, she said.
Warren Supervisor Richard Jack said it’s beyond his comprehension why the state would reduce the project by so much because people in another town and county are concerned about views from a lake.
“I was disappointed, and I was surprised,” he said.
Stark farm owner Bruce Banks said he was disappointed with the commission’s decision because wind energy and the money are needed.
“It doesn’t make any sense at all,” he said.
Advocates for Stark spokesperson Sue Brander said she was pleased with the decision. The group’s top priority was to eliminate those turbines because environmental engineers said they could harm fish hatcheries and wetlands, she said.
“They targeted those turbines for historic reasons, but we had them targeted for environmental reasons, and we’re very happy that they were eliminated,” she said.
Mother Barbara Dowbnia of the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Monastery in Jordanville said she was disappointed that turbines near the monastery weren’t removed but relieved that some were.
“Obviously, some people are benefiting from this decision,” she said. “Of course, we’re not one of those.”
August 28, 2007
By Bryon Ackerman
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