September 21, 2010
New York

Controversy continues in Cape Vincent

By: Amanda Kelley, Your News Now, ynn.com 19 September 2010

CAPE VINCENT, N.Y. – The past several wind meetings in Cape Vincent have been in front of packed rooms. Controversy and arguments continue to heat up.

Cape Vincent resident Gary King said, “I don’t really know how, or why it’s heated up, but it has tremendously.”

Political ads mocking the town’s planning board, and conflict of interest accusations has kept the town on edge. As wind development moves forward, Wind Power Ethics Chairman John Byrne said the community is being led down a road they don’t want to go, a statement many local residents disagree with.

Cape Vincent resident James Wiley said, “John doesn’t speak for the community. He’s new to the community, he doesn’t understand the community and so he can’t speak for the community.”

King said, “John Byrne does not represent me, he does not represent my friends and family. I don’t know who he represents.”

Wind supporters want to stress now more than ever that wind power can help their community.

King said, “Why wouldn’t you be in favor of it. Our little town doesn’t have any new business coming in.”

They also say about 80 percent of the town supports the decisions being made by the town planning board and council.

Wiley said, “Those people work hard, they are dedicated. Even though they may have a conflict of interest, they are dedicated and they do what they’re elected to do.”

In an e-mail sent to YNN’s reporter, John Byrne writes:

“I will stand by my words that the majority of the residents are not in favor the way the planning board is moving forward with the wind developers. The complete planning board minus one member in on video lying to the public. The chairman has never asked for an opinion from the Jefferson County Ethics Board, even though the towns attorney recommended the board do so. The town is under investigation by the New York State Police, NYS BCI, the NYAG’s office. The residents, are and should be, very concerned. I am sure if you polled the public you would see I speak the truth.”

Despite the bitter arguments, many believe wind turbines will soon be coming to the area.

King said, “It’s going to happen. If it doesn’t happen today, it will happen tomorrow because we need energy.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/09/21/controversy-continues-in-cape-vincent/