September 13, 2019
New York

Comments on both sides heard aloud at public hearing for wind turbine project in Sanford and Windsor

WBNG | September 12, 2019 | wbng.com

The New York State Public Service Commision held an open discussion to place wind turbines in the towns of Sanford and Windsor, regarding the company Bluestone Wind’s petition to get certified for the project.

According to a press release sent out, the company will be filing an application on September 18 to construct a wind-powered electric generating facility in both towns.

The project would include 27 new wind turbines including 4 in Windsor and 23 in Sanford. This comes after the company filed a petition this past February, with the Public Service Commission under New York Public Service Law Section 68 to authorize the Company to exercise an electric generation franchise and commence construction if the Siting Board approves the facility.

Many locals spoke against the project’s certification, expressing concerns over environmental and health issues. Other concerns they elaborated on include how the turbines could lower property values and create an eyesore for the overall public and tourists.

“These turbines are almost 700 feet tall and have never been built on land, so one of our concerns is where is all the safety data for these turbines? They contain a lot of toxic metals and lubricants and they produce infrasound, which can travel six miles and still hurt people,” said member of the Broome County Concerned Residents coalition, Anne Lawrence. “If they have to be built somewhere in New York State, then they should definitely not be in a residential area where people are living right under them.”

Meanwhile, residents like Carol Hall who has been living in the Town of Sanford for more than 40 years, says she doesn’t see a problem with this project.

“It’s wind energy. I mean you want to go green, the state wants to go green…you can’t beat it,” said Hall.

If you would like to add your own comment, you have until November 15 to submit through the department’s website.

This has been a part of Windsor’s comprehensive plan since 2006.

You can look at the project for yourself on the corporation that owns Bluestone Wind, Calpine.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2019/09/13/comments-on-both-sides-heard-aloud-at-public-hearing-for-wind-turbine-project-in-sanford-and-windsor/