To the Editor:

The Hopkinton Wind Advisory Board recently put forth a proposal to not expand the draft wind overlay zone south of NY Rt. 72.

This proposal will be voted on after the public hearing on Wednesday April 26. It is disappointing that the Wind Advisory Board did not undertake a thorough and thoughtful process and instead chose to arbitrarily treat land south of NY 72 differently than land north of NY 72.

Landowners south of NY 72 deserve the same opportunity to receive the benefits associated with using their land for wind development as others in town. The town does not arbitrarily discriminate against other land uses south of NY 72 and should not do so with wind, either.

In determining areas of the town where wind is not considered appropriate, officials should consider relevant factors such as, landscape and topography, current and future land uses and development, natural resources, residents opinions and other pertinent information and not just draw an arbitrary line.

Existing land uses north and south of NY 72 are compatible with wind energy development. The area south of NY 72 is less populated and includes more forestland, some of which has been heavily logged. While the area south of NY 72 is closer to the Adirondack Park, that does not create any greater potential visual impact since the wooded character and lack of mountains in this area will likely minimize any increase in visual impacts.

Importantly, it is not only landowners south of NY 72 that have a lot at stake. Of the 30 turbines currently proposed in Hopkinton, including alternates, 16 are located in the project area south of NY 72, which represents approximately half of a negotiated annual payment the North Ridge Wind Farm would provide to the Town of Hopkinton.

Based on other projects of similar size, payments to the communities of Hopkinton and Parishville are likely to be at least $750,000 annually.

The Wind Advisory Board is holding a final vote on this matter April 26 and I would urge them to reconsider their position. If they do choose to arbitrarily treat land south of NY 72 differently, I would urge the Hopkinton Town Board to reject this decision and instead establish wind overlay zones that are based upon relevant factors.

The Town of Hopkinton has a lot at stake. We have an opportunity to receive millions of dollars in much needed economic benefits and the opportunity to play a role in a clean energy future.

Timothy Kelly

Hopkinton