Anti-wind report is full of misconceptions ~ Letter to the Editor

 Anti-wind report is full of misconceptions

Anti-wind report is full of misconceptionsTUESDAY, JULY 12, 2011This is to set the record straight on economic benefits the town will receive from BP Wind Co. and Acciona Wind Co. The report submitted was the anti-wind majority version and does not represent my feeling as a minority member.The anti-wind majority refused to discuss the signed Galloo Island wind contracts and the Cape Vincent proposed contracts. They only wanted to find information (opinions) that supported negative statements about wind turbines. The Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency is the lead negotiator for these wind farms, and these contracts will be the template for negotiations.The committee refused to discuss statements in the report with the minority stating a possible zero to 35 percent reduction in property value within two miles of the overlay zone. Most studies conclude none or a slight positive impact on property valuesThe committee failed to report the expected payment-in-lieu-of-taxes monies will increase 2.5 percent each year, and that a "good neighbor policy" will give the town a negotiated dollar amount per year for community improvements which will be part of the benefits.The benefits of the PILOT for 35 to 45 turbines, sited north of Route 12E will average $8,500 per megawatt for 1.6 megawatt each turbine ($13,600 per year) or $544,000 total per year. If this total follows Galloo Island contracts, the school gets 50 percent ($277,000); the town gets 15 percent ($81,000), and the county gets $185,400. The split may vary based on negotiations.The school system will receive benefits from 11 turbines in Cape Vincent which are in our school district, following Galloo Island split will receive at least $75,000 or more per year.The report ignores local employment during construction phase and maintenance phase. Both wind companies will hire many local contractors and skilled people for help, including local trucking and excavation contractors with benefits to gravel pits and concrete suppliers.A high-voltage transmission line expected to be built to connect Cape Vincent turbines across our town using the old railroad right of way to a substation on the east side of the Chaumont River. It will be assessed at full-market value of $7.2 million. There will be single 60-foot poles with wires on both sides of poles and not any different to look at as we see every day.I hope this helps to clarify some misconceptions, incomplete statements and inaccuracies.

Guy Gosier Three Mile Bay

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COMMENTS:By Pater Tue., Jul. 12 at 6:11 amMr. Gosier writes,

"I hope this helps to clarify some misconceptions, incomplete statements and inaccuracies."

Sorry, Mr. Gosier, you can assert your own misinformation as being factual or attractive for as long as you like, but that will not change the real facts.

You amazingly seem content with very paltry estimates of tax income from a PILOT, in return for severely harming the visual qualities of the town. You choose to ignore reputable sound studies and property value data that is far more relevant than any such data your wind company patrons are spoon feeding you.

Why are so few trying to con so many? The only people for whom any of this makes any financial sense are the leaseholders. Everybody else gets the shaft.

Link here to Watertown Times