Update wind survey in Cape Vincent

At the Cape Vincent public hearing on Jan. 26, residents continued to demonstrate their interest and deep concern regarding the two proposed wind power industrial complexes. Comments to the Planning Board were presented by 40 to 50 people using the full three hours allotted for the hearing. The board will continue to accept written comments through Feb. 29.

We can no longer "hang our hat" on the simple three-question survey which the Town Board conducted back in the summer of 2005. Let's face it, folks, we've come a long way over the past 21/2 years. Hours upon hours of research have provided many residents with a better understanding of what effects wind turbines will have on our community.

Now is the perfect, opportune time for our town officials to retake the pulse of the community by conducting a well-designed, useful survey of all taxpayers in Cape Vincent. A survey will reflect the desires of the majority. A survey will give seasonal residents an opportunity to have their opinion counted.

Finally, this survey will assist the Town Board in its endeavor to write turbine zoning laws. Taking a fresh reading on the pulse of the community is a win-win for everyone.

In 2005, most of us were in the embryonic stage of wind turbine education. Cape Vincent residents hadn't even taken Wind Turbines 101 when the last survey was conducted. What is the effectiveness of a three-question survey under those circumstances? It's useless! We simply cannot rely on 2005 survey data any longer. Town officials must collect up-to-date, meaningful data for analysis in order to protect the natural beauty surrounding Cape Vincent, the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.

Joyce Gormel

Cape Vincent