Fishman wind project to be discussed

[Earth_First]

A plan by Jon Fishman to construct a single wind turbine on his Quaker Smith Point property has meet with opposition, and tonight the Shelburne Selectboard might determine how much more it wants to wade into the fray.

Fishman, drummer of the now-defunct rock band Phish, has requested a "Certificate of Public Good" for the project from the state's Public Service Board. Fishman's lakeshore neighbors -- including the Shelburne Museum and Bruce Lisman, a member of the board of directors of Central Vermont Public Service Corp. -- object to the turbine on aesthetic grounds.

The Shelburne Planning Board and Selectboard already have requested that the Public Service Board hold a public hearing on Fishman's request. He plans to erect a 116-foot turbine that would provide enough electricity to meet the power needs of his home.

"Our concerns are with consistency with the town plan and the aesthetics," said Joseph McLean, an attorney representing the town before the Public Service Board. "The town, as a general proposition, believes wind power is a good thing, but the lake shore is also recognized as a visually important and sensitive area of the town."

Tonight, the Selectboard will determine if it believes a test turbine should be erected on the site so neighbors can get a better understanding of what the project entails.

The Selectboard is also scheduled to discuss the town's 2005-2006 budget.

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/bfpnews/local/7000h.htm

Several other NEK turbine projects are currently facing resistance...