Commissioners should say ‘No’
News-Times | January 4, 2014 | www.carolinacoastonline.com
I’ve learned that a town in Ontario, Canada, voted “No” because it was not willing to have industrial wind turbines in its area under any circumstances. Wind Watch says England (UK) has done the same thing. They don’t want them.
I provided commissioners at Thursday’s meeting pictures of thousands of wind turbines I saw in Palm Springs, Calif., over Christmas. There were thousands and you could only see one or two moving. I’m convinced they were moving as a result of wind hitting them at the right time, as the news is California has 14,000 turbines that aren’t in operation. Asking about this, I was told it was due to a lack of maintenance. I also saw one broken in half with the part on the ground. No telling how long it had been there.
I understood Thursday night’s meeting was held to hear Carteret County citizens. I was upset when two women from Weyerhaeuser and two nice looking young salesmen from Torch Renewable spoke.
The time they took would have allowed more citizens to speak and voice opinions and fears. If Weyerhaeuser and Torch want to voice opinions, or any information they may have to offer, they should hold their own meetings whereby citizens could ask questions regarding concerns. Though this is my feeling, it’s very doubtful either would consider doing this.
The acreage in Newport stretching into the county is a small portion of what Weyerhaeuser owns in the county. Where would it sign on for the next industrial wind turbine farm to be built? It could be almost anywhere; therefore, I suggest the county and town say “No,” they are not welcome, stopping what could be continuous action on their part.
A commissioner told me that the state supported the turbines. I said I heard the governor was not for them and was very concerned about Cherry Point Marine base.
Should commissioners consider my suggestion, it would eliminate the necessity of the 60-day moratorium, multiple meetings and endless work by the planning commission in Newport and the county. This would save tax money.
Granted restrictions implemented in 2008 when three turbines were proposed next to my home in Bettie are the greatest I’ve seen anywhere, and I thank the then Planning Commissioner Harry Archer for all the work he and others did. We were truly blessed with their efforts.
The commissioners also need to say “NO” to any solar farm. If people want solar panels on their home, business, etc., set restrictions, but to ruin our beautiful countryside with something like this is wrong.
I could give a dozen reasons not to allow the turbines or solar farm in our county, but instead I simply ask you to say “NO.” One last suggestion: get a bell to let people know when time is up.
HILDA E. “BABS” DAVIS
Gloucester, N.C.
Jan. 3, 2014
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/01/05/commissioners-should-say-no/