September 9, 2016
Letters, New York

‘Lighthouse’ opposition knows more than Apex will admit

MAILBAG: 'Lighthouse' opposition knows more than Apex will admit | Lockport Union-Sun & Journal | September 08, 2016 | www.lockportjournal.com

A huge crowd of local residents, estimated to be 500 strong, gathered at Golden Hill State Park, at the boat launch facility in Somerset, on Aug. 25 to voice their opposition to Apex Clean Energy LLC’s Project Lighthouse Wind. This gathering was planned and promoted by the locally organized and funded grassroots organization Save Ontario Shores.

Project Lighthouse Wind is a proposed industrial wind turbine complex comprised of approximately 71, 650-foot monstrous wind turbines to be strung along 12 miles of Lake Ontario shoreline in the towns of Somerset and Yates. These will be the largest industrial wind turbines to be sited on land.

Local leaders updated the group on their efforts to scuttle this project. The size and enthusiasm of this gathering demonstrated what is already known, and that is: Lighthouse Wind is not welcome in our community. Three prior independently conducted surveys showed this to be the case. Numerous signs were displayed saying, “Apex, go home!”

The Apex public relations machine has placed a spin on the public rejection of this project by alleging that we “fear the unknown” and the project “is in the best interests of the community.” These are blatantly false statements. Those of us who oppose this project have done our homework and are deeply concerned by what we do know. As examples:

We know individuals owning property whose value has dropped as their community became the location of industrial wind turbines.

We know and have been in contact with individuals whose houses and property have been severely damaged due to the construction and operation of industrial wind turbines.

We know and have been in contact with individuals who are forced to draw their blinds during portions of the day to avoid the annoying flicker produced by the rotating blades of industrial wind turbines.

We know of situations where electromagnetic interference from the operation of industrial wind turbines was severe enough that cable was required to restore reliable local television service.

We know individual property owners who claim the industrial wind turbines make much incessant, intolerable noise and vibration.

We know of individuals who claim sickness and distress when industrial wind turbines operate.

We know and have been in contact with individuals whose animals are affected when industrial wind turbines operate.

As to proposed Project Lighthouse Wind being “in the best interests of the community,” the source is someone who does not live in our community, probably never will and draws a paycheck from Apex.

Regardless, why should we, as a community, support Lighthouse Wind and gamble our future and well-being as a community on this project? The answer is, we should not!

We have done our homework. Project Lighthouse Wind should proceed no further and should be canceled. Apex, go home!