Hearings show opposition to wind turbines in Henderson

Henderson's council, in spite of threatened legal actions, extended the moratorium on wind turbines until seasonal taxpayers return next year. When the turbine developer found Henderson's wind turbine laws too restrictive, the town's Planning Board was instructed to review those laws. This board was advised to be fair and equitable to the people of Henderson. A public hearing was held prior to the Planning Board's meetings; however, in the fall of 2008 our public was not aware of what the developer was quietly planning. Documents sent to the town library outlining transmission line plans disappeared within days of their arrival.

Facing an issue of historic importance, the Planning Board met during the winter when a high percentage of taxpayers were away; however, the developer attended the meetings and was vocal. The general public was ill-advised of the looming threat and therefore silent. Involved property owners and a developer had their say while 50 percent of the taxpaying public was away.

The vast majority of residents attending recent hearings have made it clear that they do not want wind turbines in Henderson. I commend the town supervisor and the majority of his board for listening to the taxpayers and appointing a citizens group to review the existing laws, to review the proposed changes and to make recommendations to the Town Council. I commend this council for its fiscal responsibility. Henderson has the funds to fight this intrusion.

The National Board of Realtors can give an opinion that wind turbines do not affect real estate sales while the U.S. National Association of Attorney Generals acknowledges "the high cost and low return of wind farms." These are opinions, not facts. The Sept. 9, 2009, Wisconsin Wind Turbine Impact Study was based on three large wind turbine sites. It was performed by an independent appraisal group and was based on contact with local realtors and real estate sales.

The study can be found at http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/wind-turbine-impact-study/. The study found that property value dropped 30 percent to 40 percent, and the volume of sales dropped significantly. It also provides a worldwide view on the viability of wind power.

Our lake is threatened with scenic destruction and high negative costs.

Alex James

Henderson