February 20, 2019
New York

Wind farm sparks controversy in eastern Broome County

WBNG | February 19, 2019 | wbng.com

Changes are coming to parts of eastern Broome County and it all involves wind power.

Calpine Corporation is creating the Bluestone Wind Farm. It will create 33 wind turbines, which are large devices with blades that spin, turning the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity. 29 wind turbines are set to be built in the town of Sanford, with four in Windsor.

Some people are worried the project will impact their land, calling it an eyesore.

“I moved out here from Indiana because this is spectacular scenery out here. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Broome County,” said Richard Rogler of Colesville. “I didn’t move out here to see some 700 foot turbine being put right in our front yard.’

However, for others, the large, spinning, devices don’t seem to be an issue in their small towns.

“Somebody’s eyesore is another person’s beauty and work of art,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar.

“There’s very little population out in that area. I rarely see people out there in convoys looking at the scenery. There’s very few people,” James Donowick of Town of Sanford.

Those in favor of the project, are looking forward to the work it’s expected to bring.

“I work in the labor union and it looks like I’ll be able to get a job on this project,” said Michael Smith of Deposit.

Meanwhile, others say those jobs won’t even last long-term.

“According to western New York where the wind farms have gone in place, there have been temporary jobs maybe a year, year and a half,” said Deborah Rogler of Colesville.

The biggest back-and-forth conversation is the economic impact.

“It’s going to affect our property value, I’m very disappointed in this whole thing, we don’t know how long we’ll stay if they stay here. And we don’t see any of the economic benefits of it at all, all we see are the disadvantages of it,” said Richard Rogler.

“The bottom line is it will supply a lot of energy to people and it will supply a lot of tax revenue to Broome County, especially eastern Broome county where I think a lot of people want to see more tax revenue coming in,” said Garnar.

The cost of the project has not been made clear.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2019/02/20/wind-farm-sparks-controversy-in-eastern-broome-county/