Opinion: Life was threatened over wind farm project, says Parishville resident 

I live directly on the line of the proposed North Ridge Wind project area, not a half-mile from the proposed turbines and well within the area that would be impacted by the project. My life was threatened by a close family member of a leaseholder for speaking out about the project, but I must stand for the truth and do the right thing.

We, the people, have presented the Hopkinton Town Board and their Wind Advisory Board with so much evidence, backed by science and medical professionals across the country and victims around the world, that Industrial Wind Turbines can and do cause: Sleep loss, high blood pressure, heart problems, learning problems, tinnitus, anxiety, inner ear disturbances, and many other health issues due to noise, vibration and infrasound; destruction of birds, bats, owls, eagles, raptors, including the many threatened species that I observe in my backyard and within the project area; disruption of the wildlife, forests and the very earth and ground water in the vicinity, and several other serious dangers.

Thank you to those board members (Sue Wood, Susan Lyon and Kelly Pullano) who are listening and appear poised to approve the recommendations of the Wind Advisory Board, which was appointed for the purpose of creating a safe and appropriate wind law. The advisory board did extensive research before making their recommendations.

Now, with longer blades and louder engines, we need even larger setbacks than ever. The setbacks actually start at the center of the turbines, making the wind turbines 200-250 feet closer than the setbacks would seem to indicate. Some have been misled by wind company representatives. Cassadaga, has set more restrictive/lower turbine height limits and the state has accepted them. I firmly believe, and rightfully so, that we can set more restrictions on height and setbacks, and well we should. The wind company is reportedly bribing residents now with promises of more money in order to gain control and push the project through, but much of the money that is being spent comes from our own tax dollars.

We also need to realize that there is a huge difference between cleared, flat farmland on 11B and the pristine forests in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, on the Adirondack Park line. The proposed project, south of State Route 72, would hug that Adirondack line and checkerboard around and through two State Forests in Hopkinton. These forests were created to protect the many waterways and aquifers that abound through, around and well beyond these forestlands. I recently observed a bald eagle nesting within the Whiskey Flats State Forest directly adjacent to the project. Several threatened bird and bat species also nest within this area. We must protect these lands and natural resources.

The majority of residents are against industrial wind, and the majority of those south of Route 72 are against the expansion of the Wind Overlay Zone. Regardless of the Town Board members’ personal feelings or financial interests, their vote must reflect the majority opinion, and also protect the health and safety of the public.

Pat Walzer

Parishville