The Mayor of Wolfe Island Canada writes to the NYS Public Service Commission

 Ms. Katrina Landis                                                                                                                    
Chief Executive Officer
BP Alternative Energy
501 Westlake Park Blvd.
Houston, TX 77079

Re: Case 12-F-0410   Cape Vincent Wind Power

Dear Ms. Landis;

The Township of Frontenac Islands is immediately north of the proposed area that British Petroleum (BP) is, as I understand, talking about a large scale wind development. Our geography is on the North side of the St. Lawrence River stretching from west of the Town of Cape Vincent and  just to the east of the Town of Clayton NY approximately one mile across the water. While we have many Islands in the municipality, the largest Island of Wolfe has an 86 tower wind plant that was commissioned three years ago. Through this process we have learned much about the use of Wind Towers to generate electrical energy and would like to share our experience with you. While there are benefits from such developments, such as tax revenue to the municipality and money to the property owners, there are some issues that can be avoided through good planning, and discussion with the stakeholders.

Some of the concerns we have heard are: the flashing aviation marker lights; the effects on migrating birds and the need to adhere to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918; the effect on the tourist industry in our beautiful Thousand Island Region which crosses the USA Canadian border; the negative risk to property values, and etc.

We had understood that as part of the process BP would be contacting us for input but have not yet heard from you. Our Township Council, and residents on the north side of the border (a number of which are USA citizens) who have beautiful summer homes throughout the Islands, have been asking questions and expressed their desire to find out more about this proposed development. Would you please assist us in engaging the appropriate people in this discussion?

Yours truly,
Denis Doyle
Mayor, Frontenac Islands

Copy:
Honorable Jeffrey Cohen:
Richard Chandler:
Urban Hirschey:

Mr. John Graham
President
BP Alternative Energy
501 Westlake Park Blvd.
Houston, TX 77079