The Lowell wind development

My husband and I spent the holiday weekend in the NEK. We love the unique beauty and serenity present only in the NEK. This is the year we planned to purchase our dream home in Albany to spend our retirement years living in this unspoiled part of the world.

Sadly, our dreams were shattered. Shortly after finding our dream home, our realtor informed us about the proposed Lowell wind development on the Lowell ridge lines. Our first thought was it would not make much of a difference, then we did some research on current wind turbine farms and the proposed project, and we were shocked by the effects the proposed wind farms will have on beautiful scenery and communities surrounding the Lowell ridge line.

The following findings highlight our decision to NOT follow through the purchase of the property we were going to call home.

• The wind turbines will be a minimum of 440 feet in height and may be as high at 510 feet. There are between 18 and 24 turbines proposed for the wind farm.

• In the evenings, strobe lights will constantly flash because of the height of the turbines.

• The ridge line will be forever changed due to construction and off limits to hikers, hunters, and anyone who enjoys the views from the top of the ridge line.

• Wildlife on the Lowell Mountain will be leave because of habitat destruction from construction.

• The town of Lowell will decide on this project without a voting voice from nearby communities such as Albany, Irasburg, Eden and Craftsbury. We find this point particularly disturbing because this project will affect all surrounding communities, and this goes against the values of community cohesion that is integral to rural Vermont life.

• Only the town of Lowell will receive tax incentives from the wind turbine project. Again, what about the other communities? Will they receive tax incentives too?

• This also raises the question of property values. Will current property owners be able to sell their homes with the wind farms so omnipresent in each surrounding town?

• These wind turbines are less than 25 percent efficient and will never replace current energy sources. A huge effect for such a small contribution.

Vermont is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is first state which outlawed billboards because they would obstruct the uniquely beautiful mountain views. Erecting these huge man-made structures defies the logic that makes Vermont so beautiful and the Vermonters so proud of their natural heritage. Destroying this beautiful state with these wind turbines will be an irreversible decision which will only benefit the few at the cost of the many.

Please consider Vermont heritage and what it stands for in each member of each community.