The Springwater Preservation Committee

Springwater Preservation Committee

Bitter feud; Wind farm controversy is taking its toll on small town politics
From the Livingston County News, May 19, 2005

By Elizabeth Simmons, Livingston County News

The passion with which residents told the town board May 15 their feelings on the proposed Bishop Wind Farm is the very force that some residents say is pitting neighbors against neighbors.

The Springwater Town Board held a public hearing Sunday to gauge the public's views on a proposed 14-turbine wind farm to be erected in East Springwater.

"[This rift] is what this company is banking on," said Susan Kemp-Conge. She told the crowd that the issue has pitted friends, family and neighbors against each other. Astronomer Russ Dudash also pointed out the animosity between friends at the informational meeting held at the fire hall last month, declaring it die biggest loss - regardless if the towers go up or not.

Not all have let matters come between them. After her husband Richard Shearer had given his opinion against the issue, Debbie Lewis returned to the podium to say that she is in favor because she believes that some steps have got to be taken to secure a source of alternative energy. In order lo accomplish this, Lewis said she thinks there will be "some sacrifices we'll have to make." Shearer had told the board he opposed the wind farm proposal because of the way it has been handled. He believes there should be controls, such as zoning in place.

Bridgett Moyer also strongly advocated the need for zoning to the board. The project has caused Moyer disappointment most of all because she believes the town board should protect its residents by having a vision of what they want the area to be. She referred to the town as a "free-for-all" which could allow landfills to be built anywhere.

Some residents oppose controlled development through a master plan and zoning. "It shouldn't involve the public," said Rodney Vierhile, adding that the issue is between private landowners and the energy developers. "People are sticking their noses in where they don't belong."

A handful of supporters spoke in favor of the project Sunday, among a majority of wind farm opponents. "Everyone agrees that we have an energy problem," said Francis Tessina of the proposal. "But nobody wants to do it in their own town. I encourage the board to consider both sides and do your own research." Tessina, a former resident of Rochester, has lived in the area for three years. He was surprised by some applause when he was finished with his comment. "It is a special place," he says of Springwater. "And if I truly thought this would ruin the area; I would not be in favor of this."

Written statements were accepted up until May 14, but the board extended the deadline by taking some written "votes" Sunday.

The Springwater Preservation Committee, formed by citizens in opposition to the project, have been urging the board to issue a moratorium to delay any wind power development in the town until regulations have been put into place. The results of this hearing will be used to help the board decide if they will do so.

Supervisor Mark Walker said the next step will be determined at the June 6 town meeting. Walker confirmed that the negative opinions were indeed in the majority.

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