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Towns at odds over wind turbines

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The selectmen in Stoddard have written another letter to the Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) opposing the proposed wind turbines on Tuttle Hill in neighboring Antrim, New Hampshire.

Tuttle Hill lies within roughly 13,000 acres of uninterrupted forest crossing several towns.  About one third of that land is protected.

“The proposed project disturbs a significant wildlife area which is centered on Stoddard and also has a significant visual impact to large portions of our community,” the Stoddard selectmen wrote. “All of this without providing any benefit, financial or otherwise, to our property owners and residents.” 

The Antrim selectmen, on the other hand, support the wind turbines.  This is due in part to the roughly $324,000 the wind farm would pay Antrim in annual taxes.  

To address concerns about environmental impact, Antrim Wind Energy, LLC has promised to conserve an additional 908 acres in the area.

Opponents maintain that does not make up for negative visual and environmental impacts to the area.

Do you have an opinion on the wind turbines proposed for Tuttle Hill?  Let us know in the comments.

Comments

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Roger

The article says Atrim selectmen support for the wind turbines is "due in part" to anticipated tax revenue. Surely there are other reasons, and hopefully LFDA can report and share with readers

Jackie

Hi Roger,

In their letter to the SEC, the Antrim selectmen list the following reasons for supporting the wind project:

- Property taxes to fund town and school capital projects

- Economic growth, particularly during construction

- $5,000 annual contribution to the Antrim Scholarship Committee

- Increased availability of renewable energy

- New conservation easements paid for by Antrim Wind Energy, LLC

Go here to read the full letter from the Antrim selectmen: http://www.nhsec.nh.gov/projects/2015-02/testimony/2015-02_2016-05-23_a…

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