SHOW ME HOW A POWER PLANT WILL HELP N.S.
To the Editor ...Woonsocket Call August 04, 2000
North Smithfield is facing the most important decision in the history of the town. Our officials are being inundated with opinions, facts and figures. It is an overwhelming task. I, along with a group of citizens have been studying the Indeck proposal for more than a year. We have also consulted numerous experts in an attempt to get to the bottom line. There are many factors to consider, i.e. risks to the environment, health and socio-economic impact. Recently, I sent a letter with enclosures to our town administrator, Town Council, Planning and Zoning Boards and the Energy Facility Siting Board. The intent of the letter was to offer an entirely different, positive and broad perspective on the future socio-economic impact of the Indeck proposal. I questioned the benefit of siting a facility of this type in our town and the possible negative economic consequences.
A letter written by Cisco Systems, one of the most highly valued high-tech companies in the United States, is what prompted these questions. Cisco is building a $1.3 billion campus in San Jose, California within close proximity to housing. The letter can be found at http://www.santateresacitizen.org/cisco.html. The campus will generate 20,000 jobs. Cisco states their objection to the building of a power plant next to the high-tech industrial park where the corporate campus will be located. They state that the proposed location of the power plant is inconsistent with the economic strategy and comprehensive plan. As a side note, they are also building a 110-acre facility in New Hampshire which will generate 2,500 jobs.
The most recent issue of The Journal of New England Technology contains numerous articles which offer examples from most of the New England states concerning their efforts to attract high-tech and their tremendous success in doing so. The only state not mentioned is Rhode Island. Boston is overcrowded and expensive. Route 128, the high-tech corridor, is filling up and looking to expand. Much of Massachusetts does not have the high speed/Internet infrastructure. North Smithfield wake up! We have the location, the high speed/Internet infrastructure and the open space for clean industry. In addition, our state educational system, from elementary to university level is producing computer literate workers. Why spend huge amounts of tax dollars to educate them, only to export them to Massachusetts? Something is definitely wrong with this picture.
Also, are you aware that the state of Rhode Island and the town of North Smithfield have no comprehensive business plan? North Smithfield should be pursuing clean, high tech business. Let’s show the rest of the state how it’s done! We should be the high-tech gateway to Rhode Island!
In conclusion, I wish to state to those who believe that the citizens who are speaking out against the proposed Indeck facility are "anti-business." You couldn’t be more wrong. We are considering long term impact. We are attempting to present a clean, safe, viable alternative. We are trying to preserve our town’s character, while moving into the 21st century. We are trying to procure a safe future for our children and yours, with high level jobs and endless opportunities. The Indeck facility will add only 20 permanent jobs. What kind of industry will follow? Do you really believe that companies like Fidelity, CVS, or any high-tech company would locate next to the Indeck facility?
Think again. Do your homework. Use your common sense. Look at the big picture. Prove me wrong.
Susan Czyzewicz
North Smithfield
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