Long Islanders wary of plan for (940 MW) South Shore wind farm

[jpak]

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/suffolk/ny-liwind185654529apr18,0,5684504.story

A cross-section of Long Islanders is reacting warily to a proposal for an expansive wind farm off the South Shore, raising questions about its impact on commercial fishing, beach views and electric rates.

Central to all concerns expressed yesterday were the size, expense and need for scrutiny of the project.

"I hope we don't make a decision based on the fact that it feels good" to support wind energy, said Roger Tollefsen, president of the New York Seafood Council, noting fishermen already are under siege from tighter restrictions and fuel costs. "Anything that takes away fishing grounds is going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back."

This week, Winergy Power, of Hauppauge, submitted an application to state power regulators seeking to build a 940-megawatt wind farm 12 to 15 miles off the coast near Jones Beach. The project would have 190 to 260 turbines in deep ocean waters.

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[HereSince1628]

1. I suspect my 11th great grandfather, one of the seven who founded Southampton L.I.

would wonder just what this fuss is really all about.

Several times in his life he was fined for speaking "ill" words during meetings of the select men. But in general, the guys with whom he started the enterprise were interested in moving ahead and doing so profitably.

I seriously doubt if he ever gave much of a hoot for the way things looked. He might have worried about something that really interfered with fishing.

It's someone else's county so I'll not say more than this...we grow accustomed to the landmarks within our landscape. Buildings as limited in character as the twin towers of the WTC can become iconic. In that single respect wind turbines are no different.

[annabanana]

2. I don't think it's as disturbing as a floating liquefied natural gas plant

in the middle of Long Island Sound. .
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/11/nyregion/11broadwater.html?ref=nyregion

Fortunately that's been stopped. I don't have a problem with a windfarm. (It would be off "my" coast)