Wayne County Says No to an Offshore Wind Farm

The Wayne County Board of Supervisors wants no part in a project to construct offshore wind turbines in Lake Ontario.

The supervisors voted unanimously last night to oppose the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project.

The New York Power Authority is currently accepting proposals from developers to construct turbines at multiple sites in Lakes Ontario and Erie.

The action by the Board of Supervisors followed a 90 minute public hearing. Most of the 120 who showed up were against to the project.

Among those speaking was Ken Redmond who found his "dream home" on the lake. One of Redmond's concerns is the noise that would come from the turbines. Redmond says he worked all his life for a home on the lake, and didn't appreciate the thought of having wind turbines as "a return."

While some residents favored the turbines as a clean energy alternative, many others complained about the impact the turbines would have on the the fishing industry and tourism, and the lack of a financial benefit to the county.

A number of residents complained that there simply wasn't enough information on the project. No representatives of the Power Authority were on hand for last night's meeting.

The Power Authority is accepting development proposals until the first of June. The authority plans to name the developers in December.

Power Authority President and CEO Richard Kessel says the turbines will not be installed in communities that oppose the project.

Oswego and Jefferson County have also come out against an offshore wind farm.