HENDERSON — Not so fast!
Opponents of the proposed industrial wind development in the town have formed a group called Heart of Henderson.
The group, which has more than a dozen members so far, is made up of both seasonal and full-time residents of the town. They have become more vocal as the details of the possible Stony Point Wind Farm become clear. Stony Point Wind Energy LLC is backed by United Wind Energy, Mahwah, N.J.
Deborah L. Fargo started the group a few weeks ago after receiving a letter saying a meteorological test tower would be erected on a neighboring property.
"I started to look into what it would be like to live amongst wind turbines," she said. "Then I started a petition and wrote a letter in to the Jefferson County Journal and people just started coming to me."
The group quickly gained members and divided into committees to research zoning laws, environmental effects, health effects, setbacks and economic effects of wind projects.
"Turbines don't make sound science sense anywhere," Mrs. Fargo said. "They're not profitable without subsidies from the government, they're not efficient and effective, and they come at a high expense to the communities they're in."
Many members argue against wind farms anywhere.
"They're only profitable from the money the government will give them to offset the cost," Mikhail Golovey said.
Mr. Golovey holds a doctorate in physics and his expertise is in optics.
"The lights on top of the turbines don't stop 24-7," he said. "They will be an annoyance."
He and his wife came to Henderson from Florida to enjoy the serenity, pristine environment and low light pollution, he said.
"Turbines take money away from really important projects," such as more efficient transmission lines, he said.
A wind project and the proposed transmission line for Galloo Island Wind Farm will hurt business in Henderson, member Karl R. WIlliams said. He is president of the Henderson Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce and a candidate for town clerk.
"We don't want them here," Mr. Williams said. "We can't bring fishermen up from New Jersey and Hoboken and think they're going to fish in the middle of a wind farm."
"We want the town board to always keep in mind the zoning laws are written to protect citizens," Mrs. Fargo said.
ON THE NET
Heart of Henderson: www.heartofhendersonny.org
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