In October some members of the Charlestown Town Council were ready to approve a Zoning Ordinance amendment that would have given them the power to approve two 500 foot tall wind turbines 540 feet away from abutters' homes without any notice to those abutters. The neighbors might not have found out about this issue until the site work began! The CCA steering committee has different opinions about this issue, but we are unanimous in our belief that the neighbors and the entire community should be aware of change and have a voice in the direction we take. We want to hear from all of you - below are some of your comments on this issue. Keep the comments coming!
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"I'm working away from home for a while but track interesting topics thru you're emails. Thank you for all the updates and recent good news. It is nice to see some progress for all the work we do to try and keep our elected officials properly representing us instead of having their own agenda's. Thank you again."
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"Thanks for your watchdog work and keeping up all informed."
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"I just don't get the Charlestown Town Government. We elect people who abuse their power,throw them out of office,elect new officials, then find the new ones are as bad as the old ones. Glad we have you watching out for us."
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"Near as I can tell all you've done here is stated certain facts, raised questions (that they are welcome to answer - and frankly SHOULD answer in public) and expressed concerns. I don't think you've made outright accusations - just asked questions.
If there's a reasonable answer to any of those questions they should provide them - but to get offended because someone has raised questions and concerns isn't right - and we're not going to stop raising questions or concerns even though its clear they wish we would do so."
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"I think it might be a good idea for a special ord.,otherwise the abutters may well shot it down.It's time we move to the future,and sometimes you just have to do it."
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"My first thought is to put them all up on Rt. 95, "NOT" here in Charlestown!!! I like the rural character of the community as it is. If they can build wind turbines to look like trees, then perhaps "they would be a good thing!!"; however, I do not believe that is possible to do so. And how much are we going to save and how many of these turbines are going to spring up after these two!! If someone thinks they are a good thing then maybe they ought to erect them in their back yard. I believe and strongly feel that having a wind turbine in my back yard is going to enhance the value of my property as much as having a water tower or a landfill/transfer station in my back yard. So we save on electricity and our property values go down; something wrong with that picture!! Right now there are towers in our town that are approximately 100 feet high and they can be seen from very long distances, imagine having two that are five times higher. In 1978 they wanted to put a nuclear plant here in Charlestown so we could save on electricity too; what would our property values be if that had gotten in!!! So we will not have a casino in our backyard, if we can swap if out for two wind towers that are going to have nearly the same impact upon the rural character of the community and the same impact on property values; a carrot we can all do well without. Maybe next we will be entertaining the idea of building a rubbish incinerator in to save on electricity costs."
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"It doesn't make sense. Why would the council do things behind closed doors unless something is illegal or someone is making a personal gain. Thank you for your effort to make us aware of our government."
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Have you ever gone to Allen Brooks site: http://Energy-Musings.com as he has written quite a bit about wind in his various newsletters. You would need to go through and look at the tags for each newsletter to come across the actual newsletters where he did write about wind power. He has done a lot of study on the topic and has written about the problems with it.
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Dear CCA,
I hope in the interest of full information you tell people about climate change and what will happen to Charlestown when sea level rises 3 to 9 feet in the next 50 to 100 years as predicted. Yes we may all be dead but the people who still survive here will blame us for not doing anything to stop it because we didn’t want to look at towers or hear any noise but cars and trucks and motorcycles and airplanes and leaf blowers and lawn mowers and swimming pool pumps and refrigerators and radios and televisions.
Yes some sites are better then others but we need this technology as soon as possible this is a local solution to a global problems. We as a community have a wind resource that is sustainable and renewable and part of the solution. What is the alternative? Oil derricks off the coast to ruin the beaches and the fisheries? Nuclear power plants? Burning garbage to make energy? Cutting down all the trees to keep warm? This may happen again as it did in the 1700s. You have to say yes to a sustainable solution. If you don’t want lots of little towers, come up with a plan for where big towers can go and get people behind it and get it done. The world is warming and your children and children for generations to come will be the ones to suffer.
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Excellent. Thank you. These emails have been very informative.
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Just a thought, shouldn't there be a safe zone around these monsters they should be put off shore just my two cents.
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How does having a wind turbine in town directly lower our costs. They sell the electricity to National Grid. Does National Grid then credit every town person, I would think the turbine owners would get paid for all the electricity they produce.
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WIND ENERGY IS A GOOD THING IF YOU LIVE IN THE ROCKIES OR ATOP MT. MCKINLEY! DOES ANYONE THERE CHECK ON HOW OFTEN WE HAVE NO WIND OR ALMOST NONE?
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Thank you for doing all that research and putting the graphics to illustrate your points. I had sent emails in last week because I am in favor of wind as a viable energy source. What a drastic difference, I see all that you were trying to show. Nice Job!
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Thank you so much for this perspective!! The graphics are fantastic especially the one at the very bottom. Whoever spent the time to put this information together, I thank you immensely. Job well done!
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You are doing A GREAT JOB!
GO GO GO!
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Thank you to whoever went to a great deal of trouble to gather these images and facts. We are most appreciative. It allows us to make more informed decisions about wind towers.
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You folks may want to discuss this with the USFWS people at Kettle Pond. Our coastline is an important step in the Atlantic Flyway, the major migratory route for waterfowl and much of the premise for developing the refuges in southern RI
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This problem can be simplified, No Wind Turbines in Charlestown!! Even entertaining such an ridiculous idea is only cause a major fiasco in this town!
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Love you guys and love the commitment to Charlestown. Most times I am in complete agreement with you (CCA) on the issues, but not this time (not that CCA has offered an official position on this issue but the “tone” certainly implies that the support of CCA is there for this issue). One of the main reason we residents love this town is the absence of obtrusive structures. I think adding these wind turbines in a terrible mistake, especially the 500 foot option. I may be uninformed about the benefits so may I make a recommendation? Let us residents know what the EXACT benefit to us to construct these would be? I am not personally going to get electricity relief; it will not affect any out of pocket expense; it will not financially benefit any resident (other than the argument that it may keep our town taxes down with the small impact of electricity usage and billing, but this does not justify the construction of these).
I am a huge advocate of alternate energy and am thrilled at the idea that Charlestown can be proactive in this area. But not for the cost of having to look at these “monsters” for the duration of my life. I understand the possibility of getting these on the land in question for the casino may have an impact for future conversations about that possibility, but there have got to be other options.
One of the main arguments to oppose the casino is the tourist revenue and what exactly Charlestown offers to keep bring people back. It is not wind turbines by any means. If anything, it is the absence of things like wind turbines that bring them here.
How about solar energy? Same outcome for the casino conversations, same idea about energy conservation and alternative energy sources, but without the major eye sore of 500 foot towers. The solar panels would sit at ground level, no noise, low maintenance, no visual impact. Yes, it would require the removal of some trees, but I assume so would the turbines.
So, for some basic feedback, I am not in favor of adding these, change or no change to ordinance (which we should NEVER even consider).
I like the thought behind it and I think it should be open for additional conversations, but please do not support something that has such a huge impact on the way our town is viewed for such a small overall resident impact. The “cost” does not support the reward. And I don’t mean the financial cost.
I mean seriously, picture the Newport Bridge in the woods on the side of Route 1. It would look ridiculous and enormous. The bridge looks huge as it is, out in the middle of open water. Imagine placing it on Route 1. It would be HUGE.
There is no one, that after these are constructed, will look at them and say “wow, what a great idea that was, they look awesome!”
Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face!
Thanks for listening and keep up the GREAT work you do!!
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First of all, thank you for your support and education to the citizens of Charlestown.
Some questions we have:
- amount of noise from wind turbines at what distances?
- effect to birds
- total effect to environment
- safety of wind turbines
Thanks again for educating us.
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Do you know for a fact that wind turbines of any height are viable at Ninigret Park? Ideas are always welcome, but they must be supported by adequate research.
I believe that your suggestions to the council are premature.
The Chair of the Planning Commission has requested from the staff a map designating those lots in Charlestown large enough to support wind towers that adhere to state standards, and an overlay that shows where the wind blows. This will provide some information that should help in the decision making process.
Without this initial understanding it is somewhat irresponsible to contemplate an ordinance at all because we really don't know what the impact on the town will be, where it might be located, or if it is financially viable at all!.
Twice the town has been offered the free use of a grant supported tower to study the issue of viable wind velocity and twice it was turned down by two different councils! To date no studies have been conducted by the town to determine the feasibility of utilizing wind power. (The Narragansett Indian Tribe did erect a tower and has two years of data, which has been shared with the owner of the 81 acre parcel between Prosser Trail and Kings Factory Road. I do not know if this information has been shared with the town.)
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Locate industrial size turbines at Ninigret? I doubt anyone will go for that one either, Ninigret has neighbors also.
And speaking of the "Master Plan", that needs to be completely revisited and revised in light of current and foreseeable economic issues. Develop an expensive concert venue? No developer would consider such a project today, much less be able to obtain financing. So we self-finance with revenues from a wind turbine? That still doesn't mean it's economically viable, in order to make sense the facility would have to be filled weekly. I haven't seen any studies to demonstrate that it would be, have you? Just take a look at the Ryan Center. A much different scale obviously but they aren't able to book any acts there, Bob Dylan couldn't even sell it out. Such an endeavor would require full time management, upkeep and maintenance - has any of that been factored in?
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Excellent! Thanks for the update. I like the Ninegret Park idea a lot.
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I think maybe no one has thought about the fact that Ninigret has a Federally owned and operated Wildlife Preserve adjacent to the Park. Before any commitments are made, the Government should be contacted regarding birds and their migratory patterns.
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I think we should do wind turbines. They will help with lowering our electric costs.
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Great news re wind turbine continuing discussion. Am all in favor of the Ninegret plan. Would love to be able to afford one on my modest 1.1 acre but I know the nimbys would probably strike. Sheesh!
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I am not quite sure about how to address this, however I have a couple of concerns. (1) Is the CCA maintaining and open and objective position on the research and implementation of establishing a wind power facility here in Charlestown; and, right now I am not getting that feeling. And (2) my knowledge on "studies" and "research" can read what one wants to read based upon who is doing the study and who is interested in accomplishing a specific goal instead of maintaining an unbiased, impartial perspective. I tried surfing through the Allen Brooks site and had a lot of difficulty figuring out anything about wind power, but will try again when I have more time.
And I would like to add one more piece of information. All of the comparison charts that I have seen have been comparing the proposed wind-turbines to the Newport bridge. These comparisons are being at a "sea-level" perspective. The "proposed" wind-turbines are going to be located well above sea-level in the area of Kingsfactory Road and Route 1.
Again, this selection of ONE resident email being included in this broadcast would certainly lead someone to be of the impression that CCA is in complete support of this wind turbine idea, regardless of what WE the people of Charlestown have VOTED for or against, or will.
This is the second or third email that has been sent with the underlying tone of immediate acceptance by CCA on this issue, although CCA continues to communicate that they are unbiased and only looking for “open government”.
I already sent an email in direct regard to this “tone” or impression CCA is clearly making about this issue. I am not alone in thinking there is an underlying opinion of CCA that continues to be broadcast via these emails.
If you want to continue to be viewed as an organization that is FOR the people, then send email excerpts from more than one opinion. This email piece below is just foolish. I mean really, one 400 foot wind turbine is going to keep the oceans from rising here in Charlestown?? There are many many options to help the global situation. Why not present all of them, or even some of them. I would be very interested in what this individual who wrote this piece is doing on their OWN to help the global situation. I would also be interested to learn their property address and it’s proximity to the purposed site.
There are hundreds of things we as a community could do to impact the global situation, but we don’t. We put all our energy into one idea that not everyone is in agreement of.
Why not offer free recycling to our residents? Do you have any idea of the recyclables that end up in the landfill because people don’t want to pay additional money for that? It is absolutely ridiculous! And we don’t need to do the recycling here in Charlestown, just sort and deliver. It’s a multi-million dollar idea that doesn’t require much of anything on the resident’s part except to participate. The town would have HUGE income from selling the recyclables to the plant and very little overhead. Heck, let someone privatize the business and sell the containers to the residents for income to the town. The summer rental recycle business alone would be huge! Owners of these homes pay for trash pickup only, twice a week. The glass and plastic alone that goes into the landfill, from just those 12 weeks, would have a tremendous impact on the planet, PLUS put money into the town pocketbook. This would be more impactful to the planet, more impactful to the town and NO impact on the beauty of Charlestown what-so-ever.
My overall point is: CCA continues to take the position that they only want “open government”. However, the communication that continues to be sent leaves a very different impression. Why not send some communication with an email from someone who is completely against it? Why not send a few different opinions? When CCA continues to send content that only supports this idea, that is the impression people are left with.
So, I hope, in the interest of “full information”, that you refrain from sending content that could lead to the impression that CCA is in full support of this. Actions speak louder than words. Even if every communication states that CCA “does not have an official opinion”, the “action” of the content is saying something very different.
Again, why are we so focused on this ONE idea? If the intent is to do something for the planet while doing something good for our town, I think anyone would agree, we should explore other options. Way too much energy is being put on wind turbines.
When people come together to support a common good, the overall impact can be huge. When people feel like they are being pushed into a position, they shut down and become oppositional. That is exactly the way I am feeling about the communication that CCA continues to send in regards to the wind turbine conversation.
So, thanks for listening. Of all the time I have followed CCA, this is the first time I am being left with a not-so-hot impression and that CCA absolutely already has a position and sends propaganda to support that position, all with very little accurate information to base it on.
I apologize if I sound like a jerk, but if you want the residence to believe that CCA does not have a position, then send communication that could not misinterpreted as such. When you read the emails that are sent, do you think the impression is one of non-position? Do you think someone could think CCA is opposed to the idea by what is communicated? No way, the impression from these is that CCA is pushing for these HARD. It almost feels like CCA is selling the idea to us. Really not the impression you want to leave residents.
Thanks again. I hope we as a town can do something, but I hope is something that all of us decide is good for the planet AND our beautiful town.
Does anyone really think there is a comparison between the noise of a fridge and a 400 foot wind turbine? Can you hear your neighbor’s fridge? Can you see your neighbor’s fridge?
Just silly.
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Not too long ago, he opined, at the tender age of 73, I remember Perry Browning's store, and Mary Browning's little eating place were run by wind power. They had a huge copper cistern in the attic of their late 1700's house, and it was always full of water, which they accessed by gravity feed. Mrs. Dudley, too, ran the house on wind power, a charming copy of the Dutch windmills, which I remember to this day. My Uncle Tom had a windmill on his property, and it stood long into my childhood. My Grandfather, too, had wind power on the farm... all in Charlestown. I haven't researched the number of windmills that existed in Charlestown, but my uncle Edgar, seems to me, also had one. Now, if I were Perry Brownin', which I am not, and I have never met a man or woman who had the ingenuity and the perspicacity of that old Yankee, I might just lean up on my elbow and say "Mind tellin' me what the fuss is about?"
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Although the attached document refers to NY state regulations, the information is pertinent. In general, birds are not harmed by wind turbines, the frontal area is over 90% open so the blades make up less than 10% of the frontal area, and most birds fly through. HOWEVER, when the turbines are placed in the path of large migrating birds, the death rate increases drastically. Bats, however, are harmed in a different way. Their echolocation helps them avoid the blades, however, when they fly through the blade area, they experience a drastic change in air pressure, capillaries in their lungs burst and they die from hemorrhaging in their lungs.
I work in the wind turbine industry and would like to caution the developers and ask them to consider the profitability of a such wind farms as those that were shut down due to excessive migratory bird kills and bat kills. No doubt the farms that were shut down were hastily installed. Please consider the joy at Altamont Pass now that they are facing SHUTTING DOWN or RELOCATING three hundred (300!!!) wind turbines. Think of the cost, story follows:
Scientists Recommend Stronger Action to Decrease Bird Kills
Originally Published in: Environment and Climate News
After years of trying to get wind farm operators to act voluntarily to reduce bird deaths at the Altamont Pass, California wind farm, environmental groups have filed multiple lawsuits in an effort to change the way the plant operates.
Under a January 2007 settlement agreement, wind farm operators agreed to shut down or relocate 300 of the most lethal wind turbines during the high point of the migration season in November and December. In addition, a team of scientists officially known as the Scientific Review Committee was established to study the ongoing number of bird kills.
On December 21, the Review Committee released findings indicating raptor deaths had not declined. In response, the committee recommended the shutdown be extended from two months to four months, through February each year, and an additional 309 new turbines be shut down or relocated during the peak migration period. Even so, the committee estimated the four-month shutdown might reduce deaths by only 30 percent.
The full article can be viewed at: http://environment.ncpa.org/commentaries/scientists-recommend-stronger-action-to-decrease-bird-kills
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Glad to see that Westerly is moving ahead with wind power and will show Charlestown the way. Didn’t Charlestown have the opportunity to get a grant to study wind energy several years ago but that current town council voted against it?
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Thanks so much for all your hard work... How about wind turbines that are a lot shorter???? People; seem to be upset about the height. I appreciate all the information. It is wonderful that you are doing this work so that the people have a place to express their opinions and all can read.
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Nicely done!
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Thank you, finally someone "might" get the tremendous impact on our community!!
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Screw everyone, I am going to put one of these monsters up at my house!! My kids like to look at pictures of Dinosaurs, now they could have something as big, if not bigger to look at. Now, if this sounds rediculous, look at some of the other emails coming in! Oh, and I'll plant some redwood trees nearby so in 50 years nobody would even remember they were there!!
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PERCEPTION IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER. I HAVE BEEN READING ALL THE COMMENTS AND I MUST DISAGREE WITH THE WRITER THAT YOU ARE WRITING IN FAVOR. I GOT THE COMPLETE DIFFERENT IMPRESSION. SO ONE CAN ONLY ARGUE THAT YOU ARE SHARING INFORMATION THAT WE ALL WANT TO READ TO KEEP INFORMED. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. THANKS
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The following statement from one of the e-mails is incorrect:
"To date no studies have been conducted by the town to determine the feasibility of utilizing wind power."
In 1978 there was a wind turbine erected in Ninigret Park and I know that it was there because it was part of our patrol duties to check on it on our patrol shifts. I do not know who put it up or who monitored it, but the study was done. And.... the tower that was erected was 110 feet and that is the "current" tower at the Charlestown Town Hall. The police department needed a new tower, the study was completed and the wind turbine was no longer functioning and the tower was donated to the police department; maybe mid 1980's!!??
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Greetings Charlestowncitizens
Just my opinion. Since there is a probility that Charestown may have a wind farm with massive towers. Congratulations for the positive responce for acceptance. The area chosen is fairly remote and has little negative impact on the surronding environment. These are the future for power generation and have a much less impact than coal fired or neuclar facilities. hence why not propose the maximum practical amount of turbines??
There are those who want to close the door on any change and have the "not in my backyard attitude" But those same people want to turn on the lights and TVs.
One or two turbines is just as ugly as six or more henc I recommend that there shouls be as many as the area wil support.
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I too think what you are doing is great! But it is also necessary. And I wonder who SHOULD be doing this research and communication?
Should it be you? Should it be "us"?
Not that I think it shouldn't be you (CCA), on the contrary, who better to do it? We have listened and trusted CCA thus far and have not been given a reason to stop now.
I just wonder, what would we do it there was no CCA?
Scary!
But seriously, what would we do?
So, keep it up.
Two things: use this conversation to remind people to send these emails to their Charlestown neighbors and get them involved. The more voices we hear the better our knowledge. I mean look at what has been sent so far. Ask people to forward the information to anyone they think might care.
And second: I am sending a donation. I'll look at the website and send what I can.
I am happy there is such a thing as the Charlestown Citizen's Alliance!
And my family is too.
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Palm Springs Calif. located its wind turbines 5 miles from residences and other states use a 5X setback rule which means the setback is 5 times the Hub Height.
Why is this quoted if you are unbiased? Everyone knows this is a community of the rich, for the rich and this is made to be exclusionary. Where are the Hull, Mass and other realistic ordinances?
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Why even bother discussion,,we all know Charlestown is ANTI EVERYTHING..good or bad,,its a no brainer,,don't bother trying to do anything good here,,as far as the wind farm,,the pictures submited would have you believe the towers would look like the Newport bridge,,,wrong,,the very top of the blades as they rotate might be almost that height,,not the towers themselves.So,,don't fret,,it will never happen here..however,,consider which might be worse,, Casino?Wind Farm?Both are posible on that piece of land
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We recently had the opportunity to see the Wind Turbine Farm at North Cape Prince Edward Island. It is a Canadian National Project. There was such beauty, with the ocean on one side and the slight sound of the "swishswish" whispering of the many turbines. They stand so elegantly, but yet do such an important job.
Thanks for updates on all things Charlestown.
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A wind farm might be a valuable asset at Ningret Park.
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Would that all the Charlestown residents (NIMBYS) come down to Ninigret Pond on virtually any time and day of the year and watch the wind surfers skimming over the pond in front of Ninigret Park ! ! !
I wish that all Charlestown residents could have sailed with me NINE YEARS ago on a cruise thru the Baltic Sea. I was astounded at hundreds of wind powered towers off of Denmark and other Scandinavian countries as we cruised in 2001.
Last year on a 15 day river cruise on the Rhine River from Antwerp, Belgium thru Holland, Germany, France to Switzerland, the landscape throughout was dotted with these Gracefull Towers. Never once did I think or say "how could they put up those ugly monsters" but I did keep thinking " how backward we are in the United States"
We cry about fuel oil costs ,yet we stopped building Nuclear energy plants 20 years ago, 80 % of France's power comes from Nuclear plants!
We say that windpower towers are ugly! UGLY IS LOOKING DOWN YOUR STREET AT TILTING POWER POLES WITH LINES GOING IN EVERY DIRECTION, TRANSFORMERS AND WHAT ELSE HANGING FROM THEM, THAT'S UGLY AND YOU DON'T EVEN NOTICE THEM ANYMORE !!!!
By the way, when is the last time you complained about the HUGE towers that carry your electricity across the countryside to and through Charlestown, now that's UGLY !!!
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California has wind farms which are placed on the side of highways - actually they don't destroy the scenery.
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I live near where the currently proposed wind generators would be located so I am not a NIMBY. I have seen wind farms in Holland and Hawaii in very scenic locations and was not offended by them at all. We need to be taking positive steps to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources and wind power in the right locations is a very viable alternative. If the studies past and proposed show this is a viable site let's go for it. On another note why aren't we looking at tidal power? Twice a day EVERY DAY we have a significant energy source that can be put to work. There was talk of a pilot operation at Pt Judith a few years ago but I have not seen any activity???
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Don't in the least mind being corrected when I misspeak! I was not here in '78. I arrived in '80. Where would the data be that was collected in 1978 ? Do you think I will find it in Town Hall? Will thirty year old data be helpful to today's technology?
It is still true that the town has not sponsored any studies to support the development of an ordinance permitting wind towers anywhere in Charlestown, but they still seem determined to get one on the books ASAP.
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Thanks for sharing the information that you research on this topic and the comments that you get from others, they provide interesting and at times humorous reading. I am in favor of wind energy since we Americans are not good energy conservationists so we “need” the power and I find the alternatives (oil and coal fired power plants) to be far more ugly. In fact I do not find the wind turbines too be ugly at all but to be a far more elegant sign of mankind’s green rather than black progress. I find cell phone towers to be ugly. We visited the wind farm at Cap Oest in Quebec this summer and did not notice any noise. Living near a road like Route 1 is far noisier. I read recently that there are over 8,000 wind turbines currently generating power in America and the number is growing at about 20%/year so wind energy is here to stay, so lets get with the program, but I agree lets do “right”. On a different note why aren’t wind turbines being put on top of buildings like the skyscrapers in Manhattan .......... or on casinos like Foxwoods? Lets have a requirement that says that every new building must have at least say 5% of it’s assessed value in renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal) in order to get a certificate of occupancy ..... like we have requirements on structural integrity, fire alarms, septic tanks, insulation, wiring, etc.
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THANK YOU CCA FOR ALL YOU DO.
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Thanks for all your good work
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It is vitally important that our town encourage alternative energy options including wind mills. We need cheaper energy and a cleaner environment. I am supportive of the work that has been done so far. We need also to make sure that we protect property rights and public safety. The latter is what we expect the various commissions and town officials to do. I want to commend CCA for being an "honest broker" in getting the word out and asking for comment on this issue. Also your work on the latest science is helpful. All of this work will help in developing careful regulations that will benefit all of Charlestown. Good zoning regulations happen when there is wide input comment and support. Regulations ought not be written to support directly or indirectly individuals/commercial enterprises no matter how benign or beneficial it may seem. The public good comes first. Thoughtful, carefully written regulations come first. |
