New York State has to stop this trend of “naming” historical regions, heritage byways and scenic highways. People do not buy VIEW...they don’t own the land. These things are being used to block industrial development. I would prefer the townships of Stark and Warren and Herkimer County in Central New York be pioneers in “being green” rather than last. It takes a lot of time and money to persuade the naysayers and finally reach a consensus. There is not proven fact that there is such a thing as “Windmill Syndrome.” This would be a large economic boost for this area. The only “syndrome” we have is tourism and historical sites. They are being used as a pawn to dictate to the landowners and townships trying to stop free enterprise, which violates the landowners Fifth Amendment rights. The Glimmerglass District, for instance, is based on a lake that no longer exists! Most of the erosion to the shoreline has been caused by the construction of a dam. The raising of Otsego Lake turned it into a Reservoir. The dam slowed down the flow of water and the Reservoir is filling up with sediment and debris. So much for being green. The Monastery is being recommended to be put on the historical list, and requesting that 1.5-mile radius be restricted from any industrial development. If all that is requested is granted, there would be a precedent for other churches of any religion to become tax free by just being “named.” More tax free land and no industrial development. The continuance of discordance against the windmill projects forces me to look for suggestions of other viable “green” alternatives for New York State’s financial disaster and the energy crunch. Lyle Phetterplace
Van Hornesville, N.Y.
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