Make your opinion known on wind turbine project that would change the landscape of Barre

Editor:

After being denied permission to place 6 wind turbines near the wildlife refuge as previously requested, Heritage Wind is now going to submit a 94-C Major Modification Request to the Office of Renewable Energy on or about July 27th, which I might add, I was just notified of on July 25, by a postcard in my mail.

Once again, Heritage Wind wants to place more of their 680-foot giant turbines on the east side of Route 98, bringing a total of 31 turbines placed around the surrounding homes in area, with no regard for the residents who reside near them. Compounded with their tremendous height and the distance between them, how will these enormous turbines be able to keep the decibels of audible noise allowed in check?

As a lifelong resident of the Town of Barre, I want to know who is going to protect the rights of the people here who have put their hearts, souls and future investments in their home properties that will be surrounded by 680-foot wind turbines?

Again, I do not believe that these turbines are going to draw people to want to buy or build homes in the Town of Barre, which would add revenue to our town, when they can go anywhere else and not be surrounded by structures that are taller than the Statue of Liberty (which stands at 305 feet).

Will the Town of Barre and the State of New York lower our home assessments if our values fall?  If so, how does that benefit the town? Who is going to subsidize people whose homes may not possibly sell? Is New York State, the Town of Barre, or better yet, Heritage Wind, willing to offer buy outs for these properties should the need arise?

As soon as possible, write to the Town of Barre Board at 14317 West Barre Road, Albion, NY, attend the Barre town meetings, write to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State, NYS State Capitol Building, Albany, NY or call her office at 1-518-474-8390.

Also be sure to contact and write your concerns to ORES at https://ores.ny.gov/permit-applications under Matter 21-00026.

Now is the time to stand up for your rights as a resident of Barre and Orleans County and say no more!

Sincerely,

Susan Webster

Barre