City's renewable energy potential discussed

Buffalo has been known as the "city of light" for its pioneering role in harnessing electricity.

Renewable energy advocates believe the region now has a golden opportunity to market itself as the city of wind power.

In their eyes, it's not an impossible dream that Buffalo could one day be a leader in the manufacturing and installation of energy-producing wind turbines.

Energy experts, economic development officials and business leaders spent nearly 90 minutes Tuesday discussing the prospects of building and erecting windmills in the city. The Common Council's Legislation Committee sponsored a hearing that highlighted the pros and cons of such initiatives.

Wind turbines could create a lucrative industry in the region, said officials from the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and Buffalo Niagara Enterprise. The average wind turbine contains 8,000 parts, said Hadley Horrigan, the Partnership's vice president of public affairs. If the region could foster this new industry, she said it would spawn significant long-term job prospects.

Advocates also said Buffalo could offer inexpensive power as an incentive to new or expanding companies.

Robert E. Knoer is chairman of the Wind Action Group. He said wind turbines already operating on the former Bethlehem Steel site have thrust worldwide attention on the region as it finds creative reuses for old industrial sites.

"When those shiny towers came growing out of that rust belt past over there, the world took notice. This region was on the front of the New York Times, showing those towers, saying "we get it.'"

Listen to audio of Knoer discussing Lackawanna's Steelwinds project:

Still, Knoer acknowledged there are some environmental concerns that must be considered, including noise. He also conceded that wind turbines are not appropriate in all areas.

Listen to Knoer discussing environmental concerns:

South Buffalo business owner Simon F. Manka called windmills "ugly monstrosities" that keep people awake at night. He said he would oppose any plan that would locate wind turbines anywhere in close proximity to the city's waterfront. In particular, he took aim at the New York Power Authority's proposal that might eventually see major offshore wind farms in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

"Our waterfront is our most golden, best asset. And these things are ugly. They're plain ugly," said Manka.

Listen to Manka discuss his opposition to wind turbines on the waterfront:

Downtown business leader Stephen P. Fitzmaurice, chief operating officer of Seneca One Realty, also raised concerns. He said wind turbines often produce power that is costly and unpredictable.

Meanwhile, wind energy advocates highlighted numerous benefits, including giving communities an alternative power source in the event the electrical grid is damaged by natural forces or by terrorist attacks.

South Council Member Michael P. Kearns, who sponsored the bill that triggered today's hearing, believes there are good arguments in support of pursuing wind energy. He believes some industrial areas in South Buffalo, including land near the Union Ship Canal at Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park, might be suitable spots for windmills.

"We have the wind," said Kearns. "But do we have the will to do this?"