Who WE Are
The Save Jones Beach (SJB) Ad Hoc Committee is a non-profit group of Long Island taxpayers and LIPA customers. The Committee has been formed for the sole purpose of demanding clarification and mutually acceptable resolution of all issues relating to installation of a proposed “Windfarm” 3.6 miles off the barrier beach, between Jones Beach and Robert Moses Park.
The “Public Notice” issued by the Army Corps of Engineers excluded many South Shore communities and provided insufficient time for adequate response
The “Public Notice” and information meetings conducted by the Applicants, have failed to answer over thirty (30) questions raised by supporters of the Ad Hoc Committee Se attached link
We demand a moratorium on the proposed project until
a) all questions bearing on public safety, the environment, property values, noise pollution, estimated costs and aesthetics are satisfactorily answered, and all remaining issues are resolved.
b) a Public Hearing and Environmental Impact Study have been properly conducted
SOME STARTLING FACTS!
The following data is taken directly from the Public Notice provided by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers :
-- 40 wind-turbine generators, 3.6 miles from shore
-- Each turbine 443 feet above mean low water level….
double the height of the Jones Beach water tower (needle) !!!
-- lower section of each monopole tower 18.7 ft. diameter, are driven into the seabed with a pile driver
--a 70 by 85 foot electrical substation platform with diesel generator and large oil storage tank
-- connection of the wind generator array to the mainland via a 138 kilovolt submarine cable
--each generator will require a medium –low intensity, red 2,000 candela
Aviation Warning Light and shipping lane foghorn warning system.
LETS LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE !
Most informed Am erica ns support the idea of alternate sources of energy, less use of fossil fuels and most important… reduced dependence on Middle East crude oil. Nuclear and hydro-electric generation, wind energy and conservation are all actual or potential means of attaining these long term goals.
BUT….stop the train. !! a headlong rush towards projects costing hundreds of millions of dollars, which affect the environment, wildlife, boating, commercial fishing, human safety and lifestyles, property values, economic balance and destruction of pristine shorelines is unacceptable to tax paying businesses and individuals.
REMEMBER SHOREHAM ??
Remember the promises and the disastrous result?
It appears to the supporters and members of the
AD HOC SAVE JONES BEACH COMMITTEE
that the proposed LIPA Offshore Windfarm represents just such a headlong rush, with inadequate public discussion and no commitment to an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY OR PUBLIC HEARINGS !!!
THIS BOILS DOWN TO ONE FRIGHTENING FACT !
LIPA and Long Island Offshore Wind Park LLC (the applicants) propose to construct a virtual industrial park 3.6 miles off some of the most pristine beaches and parks in the world, affecting thousands of Long Island taxpayers and LIPA rate payers without adequate notice, or clear statements about the benefits or costs ! They have gone through the motions by conducting “public” meetings about which most residents and businesses were unaware or unable to attend.
The SJB Ad Hoc Committee has gathered input from hundreds of Long Island residents and concerned organizations and has developed a list of over thirty (30) critical questions which at the present time remain unanswered. (See our Web Link)
LONG ISLAND IS RESPONDING !
In a July 21, 2005 letter to the U.S Coast Guard and U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Suffolk County Legislator (14th District) David Bishop demanded answers to questions about the costs, impact and benefits of the Windfarm proposal. He said; “The most fundamental question is whether the benefit is worth the sacrifice.” Speaking of the natural beaches along the proposed area he described them as; “the gems of New York ’s public parks system.”
Mr. Bishop quotes Professor Mathew Cordero of Long Island University who’s January 2005 study calls for the retrofitting of Long Island ’s antiquated gas plants, which the Professor states would double or triple their electrical production, thus lowering emissions while meeting growing demand. Recently, United States Senator Charles Schumer, publicly called for retrofitting of the gas plants !
Mr. Bishop goes on to say that the key question is “whether public ratepayer resources can be more effectively spent on renovating the existing portfolio of plants…”
And that…. Mr. Kessel is what the Committee demands to know !
Voting taxpayers are rapidly becoming aware of the proposal, its possible negative effects on their recreation areas, safety and electrical rates. And they want answers! Their response to our Committee has been immediate, enthusiastic and rapidly growing.
The Darmstadt Manifesto (see links) issued by over one hundred German scientists and academics calling for the reduction of Windfarms in Germany . We are following the course of a law suit recently allowed by a California Judge, claiming the deaths of thousands of migratory birds caused by the whirling blades of land- based wind generators. We are following the efforts of United States Senator Edward Kennedy to defeat a proposed Windfarm near Nantucket .
It’s time to stop the headlong rush and the slam-dunk tactics and find the answers !
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1)Check this website often, we will pass on information facts as we receive it. Tell your neighbors and friends to do the same.
2) Write or call the officials listed here. It is important that they understand how you feel, and what information you want.
3) If possible, come to our Save Jones Beach Committee meetings. Starting next week, we will post the date, time, location of each meeting. The group is growing by leaps and bounds, but everyone is welcome and you will be heard.
The Save Jones Beach Ad Hoc Committee is made up of the following groups
Community Associations
- Oak Beach Civic Association Babylon
- Gilgo Beach Residents Babylon
- West Gilgo Beach Association Babylonn
- Old Lindenmere Civic Assoc. Merrick
- Biltmore Shores Civic Assoc. Massapequa
- Nassau Shores Cicic Assoc. Massapequa
Businesses/Commercial Groups
- Kelley Carpets Seaford
- Bunger Surf Babylon
- Doxee Corporation Point Lookout
- Montauk Inlet Seafood Corp
- Long Island Commercial Fishing Assoc.
- Seawatch International
Recreational Groups
- Long Island Beach Buggy Assoc.
- Sportfishing Educational Center
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