Wind Power May Compromise View

 

The proposal is for 16 wind turbines, each 420-foot tall (example of turbine and tower pictured) in Sheffield, Vermont.

While the whooshing of wind turbines is a sound and sight the residents of the town of Sheffield, Vermont voted to approve in a nonbinding resolution, their neighbors in Westmore are concerned the views of Lake Willoughby (pictured) will be impaired. The Sheffield Wind Farm will be on mountains two to five miles from the lake. It is estimated the harnessed wind would provide power to 15,000-20,000 homes.

The wind farm developer, UPC Wind Partners LLC, of Newton, Mass., hired David Raphael, MLA, ASLA, the principal and founder of LandWorks, to assess the aesthetic impact of the towers. He testified they would not adversely impact the scenery within a 10-mile radius.

The landscape architect consulting for the wind power developer judged the turbines would not adversely impact the scenery within a 10-mile radius. Not all nearby Westmore officials agree.

The Westmore Selectboard made a motion to intervene after concerns the wind energy project would be seen from several of the higher elevations in town.

UPC is now in state permitting hearings before the Vermont Public Service Board, the final arbiter. Westmore town folk have not held a public vote. The Westmore Selectboard iterated it neither supports nor opposes the wind farm, but is concerned about protecting the lake view.