January 10, 2020
Delaware, Letters, Maryland

Reject the wind farm; let Maryland deal with the issue if it benefits them

The News Journal | Jan. 10, 2020 | www.delawareonline.com

The proposed Skipjack Wind Turbine project planned for Fenwick Island should be rejected. The wind turbines will spoil the current pristine views from the Delaware shoreline. Since these 850-foot monstrosities will be built only 17 miles from the coast, a substantial – over 400 feet – portion will be visible from the beach.

Secondly, although only 10-15 wind turbines will be constructed initially, it is safe to assume that more will be built, since it was noted a year or so ago that up to 62 new turbines would be developed.

Third, in return for the construction of multiple 850-foot turbines, Fenwick Island, a town with less than 500 year-round residents, will receive various “park improvements.” Do Fenwick Island residents need new pickleball courts, particularly courts that are housed on the top of a utility substation? Does a town with fewer than 500 residents really need a dedicated Chamber of Commerce building?

Fourth, aren’t tourists coming to the Delaware beaches because they appreciate the unspoiled nature of this area?

Fifth, the U.S. has an abundance of cheap energy today and for the foreseeable future. Why support a project that benefits only 35,000 homeowners in Maryland while negatively impacting tourism in Delaware?

Sixth, since the electricity from the wind turbines will be delivered to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, why not build the turbines in the Chesapeake Bay? The answer is that the Eastern Shore residents don’t want to see wind turbines either. Or don’t need pickleball courts.

— Tom Corrigan, Wilmington


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/01/10/reject-the-wind-farm-let-maryland-deal-with-the-issue-if-it-benefits-them/