Dear friends and supporters of Holy Trinity Monastery and Seminary,

We have recently been made aware of yet another attempt to build a windmill project in our backyard. While the previous plans were dismissed a few years back, now the companies involved are taking advantage of the New York State Energy Plan and its incentives to build renewables that will by-pass the environmental review and local input that put a halt to the previous windmill projects. 

Petition to the Town of Stark 

Petition to stop the project to build 2 wind turbines off Sickler Road, as well as to implement zoning in order to stop all future Wind Turbines projects in the towns of Jordanville, Stark, Springfield, Van Hornesville, Warren, Richfield Springs, Cooperstown and Fly Creek. 

We, the undersigned supporters, benefactors, and friends of Holy Trinity Monastery and Seminary urge you to disapprove the proposed windmill construction project for the following reasons: 

• Holy Trinity Monastery (which is only 5 miles away from proposed site) and is a protected historic site will be affected with visual impact, noise, water pollution, and other consequences.
• The values of the houses within 20 mile range from proposed wind farm site will drop at least 50% and the houses will become unsellable.
• People moving away from the area – with less taxpayers to fuel local economy.
• Incessant noise, accompanying illness, nausea, headaches – according to research by Dr Nina Pierpont, MD, PhD (see Wind Turbine Syndrome and The Brain article- https://www.windturbinesyndrome.com/2010/wind-turbine-syndrome-and-the-brain-pierpont/
• Displaced animals, injured and killed birds (including protected Bald Eagles).
• The fractured headwaters, disturbed water veins and contamination of water wells.
• Use of pesticides and herbicides during start of the construction project and the health effect on nearby residents.
• Documented fire incidents on wind turbines and potential hazard to the nearby houses.
• Non-stop flickering.
• Contamination of landfills as the wind turbine blades are made from fiberglass and plastic, have a lifecycle of only 25 years and will need to be buried in landfills after 25 years of use. 
• Wind turbines are not effective or reliable in producing energy.
• Tourism economy of the area will suffer as nature and pristine views of rolling hills will be obstructed with wind turbines.
• The effectiveness of wind turbines in producing energy is highly questionable and there are better and cleaner alternatives available.
• Residents don’t want to be pushed into living next to giant monsters with non-stop flickering and noise, with the graveyard of birds and bats being killed by them, with contaminated water in their wells.

By the Grace of God, your prayers and support, we hope to continue our service and struggles in peace and tranquility. 

In Christ, 
+Bishop LUKE of Syracuse, 
Abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery, 
Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary