To: the Editor—

I read with amusement the whimsical editorial about the proposed wind turbine, which the editorial calls a “windmill,” at the transfer station in last week’s Block Island Times. Fortunately, in America, our system of law deals with facts, instead of conjecture. One would hope that the Town Council would get all the facts before making this important decision and that the final decision be unanimous. It is interesting to note that the three letters to the editor on the subject in last week’s paper, and the two from the week before, all strongly oppose the wind turbine.  The last two week’s “letter to the editor” count is: strongly opposed = five, the wind turbine = zero.

When Jack Gray deeded the “dump area” to the town in 1978 and 1985, he was a generous, foresighted environmentalist giving the island he loved, a real treasure. Now the Block Island Times wants us to believe that had Jack been able to forecast the future, he would have approved of a 285-foot wind turbine on that site.  Gimme a break….

I think that Jack knew exactly what he was doing. This is a beautiful island and all those who knew Jack, knew his love of it, and his desire to preserve its way of life. It seems to me that a 27-story tall wind turbine, which creates significant noise and flicker, would not be exactly what Jack had in mind for Block Island.

Do not get me wrong. Wind turbines are an excellent source of renewable electrical energy and should be encouraged, but as they say in real estate… location, location, location. That is why, when most people consider wind turbines, the units are located out to sea or on isolated deserts, such as we have in the southwest.

Let’s not get the horse before the cart. The proposed zoning change is premature and unnecessary at this time. I think the $50,000 study the first warden wants to commission should be done first. It must include the impact of a wind turbine on our quality of life and any other implications for Block Island. However, is this really a wise expenditure of taxpayer dollars during the current economic times?

In closing, I wonder if “freedom of the press” is still alive and well on our island paradise. We will know the answer if this letter gets published.

Bill Rader

West Beach Road

To: the Editor—

A Block Island wind turbine could take the breath out of “breathtaking.” Forty years ago, my dad surveyed many pieces of Block Island real estate before discovering the spot from which one can experience exceptional coastal views and tranquil ocean sounds. Ever since the purchase in 1969, we’ve enjoyed the incredible beauty that refreshes and inspires year after year after year.

Unfortunately, the currently proposed wind turbine would endanger both sight and sound by placing a 265-foot tall, noise-polluting tower next door. The intrinsic value of all nearby properties would unjustly suffer great harm. I humbly ask that my fellow residents understand these real concerns. Thank you for your consideration.

Sharon Olson Kuehlewind

West Beach Road and

Cheshire, Conn.

To: the Editor—

Is it right for the Town Council of New Shoreham to change the terms of a gift of land to the town, 31 years after the gift was made? This is the thrust of the public hearing on October 5, in reference to the windmill project proposed for the Transfer Station site.

John F. Gray gave two parcels of land (6.888 A) to the town on 13 June 1978 (see volume 46; pages 207 and 208, of the Block Island town records for exact wording). His gift was for the purpose of “a municipal sanitary waste disposal area….” The terms of his gift are: if it is not used as a dump, any refuse and debris shall be covered in a reasonably well-graded and level condition. Also, when the dump area is filled, it shall be planted with shrubs and grass and must be left open, in a natural state for use as a wildlife shelter and conservation area for community purposes. Pedestrian paths are permitted but there shall be no vehicular traffic or parking of cars thereon except for proper maintenance and no structures of any kind except fences and a caretaker building.

Jack Gray was certainly early in the idea of preserving our island! On 22 August 1985, seven years later, Mr. Gray gave a third parcel of land (3.182 acres) next to parcel #2 of his first gift (volume 69, pages 244 and 245).  The terms of this gift were the same as the first. Mr. Gray had had seven years to think about this gift  — yet his terms remained the same! Total gift 10.070 acres! He passed away almost three years later, on 21 January 1988. To my knowledge, he made no attempt to change the terms of his gifts. 

 Both deeds specifically state that the conditions and restrictions are accepted by the grantee, the Town of New Shoreham. When I purchased property in this area, it was this attitude of a natural state, wildlife shelter and conservation area, as stated by Jack Gray in his deed, which made me feel that my future environment was protected.

The proposed zoning change will make Jack Gray’s three lots a Public Utility (PU) Zone. 

Allowed there will be: (a) public works facilities, (b) utility facilities, (c) off street parking and loading, (d) all support facilities related to the maintenance and operation of the facility or utility (e) as well as a 265-foot wind turbine! Note: the above-mentioned zoning changes are taken from the Planning Board draft, approved May 19, 2009, of the New Shoreham Utility Wind Turbine Project Proposed Zoning Amendments. Items (a) through (b) are very vague, with no limits placed on size or scope. Even without a windmill, this neighborhood could be stuck with undesirable development, as well as a complete violation of Mr.Gray’s wishes and restrictions for his gifted land’s usage. 

 Numerous groups have bonded together to preserve more that 40 percent of this island. For those of you who enjoy these preserved areas, please realize that this kind of “spot zoning” sets a precedent that can put all of these, now public, areas in great danger. For those of you who may be thinking of donating land or are working toward the preservation and conservation of an area for a specific use — think hard — your dreams are in danger! And for those of you who want wind power and can’t wait for offshore wind farms (yes, I think that they are coming, the North Sea has them already) think about donating your own land and home. And then, when we do get the offshore wind farms, you will have a museum piece in your own yard! 

 For me, I think that the Town Council is not only honor-bound to uphold the terms of Mr. Gray’s gift, it is their legal obligation and responsibility to do so.

Ken Maxwell

West Beach Road

To: the Editor—

I am hearing a number of questions and misconceptions about an island-based wind turbine, specifically at the transfer station. I would like to answer some of them.

1. Why the transfer station?

This is a site with an excellent wind resource, and is already in use as a utility site. It is town owned. We are assured by our solicitor that this is a legal use, and is not prohibited under the terms of the bequest.

2. Why not simply rely on the Deepwater turbines for New Shoreham’s electricity?

There are two good reasons for this proposal. The first relates to our responsibilities for the environment we want to pass on to our children and grandchildren. Global warming threatens to produce a two to three foot rise in sea level by the end of the century, which would devastate Block Island and much of the rest of the world. The second is economic. Electricity purchased by the town at present costs $0.45/kWh, a rate that may come down to $0.20 to $0.30/kWh with a cable. The cost of wind-generated electric power is $0.07-0.09/kWh over the life of the turbine. Acceptance of this power by Block Island Power Company is technically feasible, and is subject to a federal statute called PURPA. The presence of a cable would allow the town to petition for wheeling the power to as many as 10 town facilities, and to sell excess power into the grid.

3. What about the sound? Modern wind turbines, like the ones in Hull, Mass. and Portsmouth, RI produce a soft “whoosh” sound, basically at a conversational level, 350 feet from the base. Specifications mention 45 dBA at maximum rotational speed, and the “A” represents audible pressure, not average. At 750 feet, that sound will be considerably less; at 1,000 feet, probably not at all. In most situations, even as close as 300 feet, the wind will mask the sound.

4. Are the turbines dangerous to birds? The answer is no. Brother Joseph reports finding one dead bird in the vicinity of the Portsmouth Abbey turbine. Our sliding glass doors and windows account for many more bird fatalities.

5. What about flicker? Flicker is a shadow produced as the turbine blades pass through the rays of the sun. This depends on the angle of the sun, the time of the year, and the distance form the turbine. In Portsmouth, there have been very few complaints about this.

6. What will happen to my view? There will be an impact on the views of a few people whose homes are near the site. All of these people have absolutely magnificent views, and will still have views if/when a turbine comes to pass.

7. What were the findings of the recent mail survey? Respondents were shown a simulated photo of a turbine at the transfer station, and asked if they supported, opposed, or had no opinion about such an installation: 72 percent of voters were in support of a turbine, 16 percent opposed, and 12 percent had no opinion.

Peter B. Baute, MD

Peckham Farm



To: the Editor—

I have been coming to Block Island for over 21 years. I used to walk the greenway, “the icing on the cake” of Block Island. Little by little I have seen more and more deer. I stopped going to the greenway a few years ago for fear of Lyme disease. Please control the deer population. I would like to get back to the greenway.

Danny Kopp

Brooklyn, N.Y.

To: the Editor—

The Block Island Lions Club held its annual Fall Golf Tournament September 14. The day was picture- perfect and we thank all those golfers who turned out to make the fund-raiser a success.

We would also like to thank Ray and Sue Linda of Interstate Navigation for donating round-trip ferry tickets for the golfers. We also appreciate the assistance of Megan Moran of Group Sales, Norissa Linda, Cindy Littlefield and the entire ferry crew.

Thanks to the following Block Island businesses that donated money to be T-Sponsors:

Diamondblue, the Albion Pub, Block Island Parasail, H.J. Willeys of North Point, Ballard’s Inn and Restaurant, Mr. Luster Klean, Entech Engineering, Eli’s and the Atlantic Inn, Mark’s Beachcomber Hair Design, Andre Boudreau’s Island Painting, Finn’s Restaurant, M&C Associates, Rebecca’s Takeout and Rebecca’s at the Beach, the Oar and Hall’s Mowing.

The following mainland businesses were kind enough to support the tournament as T-Sponsors:

A Quick Tire, Brian Van Couyghen Esq., Belmont Fruit Co., Tyler Electrical, Dwyer Hardwoods and Seacoast Eye Associates.

Prizes were donated by: Koru Eco Spa, The Beachead, The National Hotel, The Block Island Times, Froozies, Richmond Golf and Country Club

Mary Lawless and Pat Vaicaitis

Block Island Lions Club Golf Committee

To: the Editor—

To the “shankopotamus” who has been pelting my boat with golf balls, kindly desist or, lacking a nunnery, get thee to a clinic.

Just because she’s been on the beach all summer does not give you leave to avail yourself of this particular target of opportunity. I don’t see anything resembling a “pin” or smiley pirate flag, which might indicate a legitimate focus for your clearly limited talents regardless of your penchant for dressing in ridiculous clothes that would embarrass an underage pimp.

I respectfully suggest you take up mini golf with its myriad windmills pirate ships or smiling dinosaurs, which is evidently more appropriate for your demonstrated talents and can be easily found off island.

JC Brotherhood

Mechanical Special Effects

Spring Street