Walter wants more info on wind turbines
Supervisor Sean Walter said he now thinks the Town Board needs more information before it decides whether or not to move forward with a plan to build a $1.8 million, 275-foot high, 750kw wind turbine at the town sewer plant off Riverside Drive.
The turbine is expected to generate enough energy savings to pay for itself within 11 years, and to bring about a savings of $5 million over 25 years. But while most of the speakers at a February public hearing on the plan gave it positive reviews, it has since met with opposition from residents of Riverside Drive and neighboring streets. They have sent several letters of objection as well as a petition with about 32 signatures opposing the turbine.
Mr. Walter said he planned to speak with a representative from the New York Power Authority about wind turbines, and also take a trip to see some wind turbines in Atlantic City, N.J. He said if there’s support on the Town Board, he also will ask the power authority to organize a public information meeting on wind turbines.
“We’re all new to this,” Mr. Walter said. “We don’t want to jump in too quickly but don’t want to let a good idea pass either. We’ve got to do a little more research.”
He said the town must decide if a wind turbine is appropriate in a residential area.
