Rethinking Wind Tower Safety

December 28, 2009
Perry White, Watertown Daily Times City Editor

Another wind tower has collapsed, this one in the Madison County Wind Farm in the town of Fenner. The nine-year-old tower collapsed Saturday night, apparently when power was lost to the tower. This is the second such collapse in upstate New York this year; in March, a tower collapsed in Altona, Franklin County, when it, too, lost power. Clearly, this issue is one that needs further study and one that should be giving pause to towns in the north country that are rushing to get permissive laws on the books for commercial wind farm development.

These two collapses are far from the only ones, however. In Denmark in 2008, a tower collapsed when the braking system failed and the blades spun out of control, eventually shattering the nacelle and sending debris well beyond the collapse range of one and a half times the tower height. In Oldenburg, Germany, a tower collapsed in November 2006 when a rotor shattered, bringing the entire tower down; large chunks of blade debris landed more than 200 meters – 660 feet – from the tower.

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Public Speaks Out on Wind Opinions

December 26, 2009


By: Brian Dwyer, News 10 TV

news10now.com

To view Brian Dwyer's video clip from News 10, click on the line above (news10now.com) or copy the following link: http://news10now.com/cny-news-1013-content/top_stories/?ArID=491131

Wind farms are a controversial issue throughout the North Country. There are several plans in the works and plenty of people signed up against them, including one on Galloo Island in Jefferson County. Our Brian Dwyer has more on a public hearing in the Town of Hounsfield.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, N.Y. -- It sits 12 miles off the Town of Hounsfield shore. It's not a place people hang out, but for many, it's one of those peaceful views in a hectic time. That's why a lot of people in Jefferson County are not happy about a plan to put 84 wind turbines on it.

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Wind Power Project: Legislators Wait for Jefferson County to Make Decision

By Carol Nelson,
Valley News (www.valleynewsonline.com)
December 25, 2009

Members of the Oswego County Legislature are waiting for the Jefferson County Legislature to make a decision on a payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) agreement for the Galloo Island wind-power project. The two governments recently approved a joint resolution asking Upstate Power to relocate the proposed lines to the bottom of Lake Ontario.



A 230-kilovolt line has been proposed to run from Galloo Island in the Jefferson County Town of Hounsfield through the towns of Henderson, Ellisburg, Sandy Creek, and Richland, as well as the Village of Pulaski, to a proposed substation and interconnection with existing transmission lines in Mexico. Upstate Power has proposed to construct a wind farm on Galloo Island, off the shore in Hounsfield, along with a new power line with the capability of transporting 1,000 megawatts south to assist the needs of downstate consumers.

Galloo Island Towers moved in final report

Watertown Daily Times | Towers moved in final report

GALLOO ISLAND: Environmental impact statement includes gravel pit
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009

A slightly different tower layout and an added gravel pit for the proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm are the major changes delineated in the final environmental impact statement.

The statement was released Wednesday by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Upstate NY Power Corp wants to build a 252-megawatt, 84-turbine wind power facility on Galloo Island, along with electrical collection, support and staff housing structures.

ON THE NET

Galloo Island Final Environmental Impact Statement: www.dec.ny.gov/permits/

54687.html

Hounsfield Wind Farm - Notice of Completion of FEIS

From: "Stephen Tomasik"
Date: December 23, 2009
3:22:48 PM EST
Subject: Hounsfield Wind Farm - Notice of Completion of FEIS

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has accepted the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Hounsfield Wind Farm proposed for Galloo Island, Town of Hounsfield, Jefferson County. A copy of this notice and the attached location map are included with this email. You are receiving this email notice because you have made comments on this project or have otherwise expressed interest in being placed on the distribution list for DEC notices regarding this project, and have provided an email address for use by DEC in communicating agency notices. Please note that a separate notice will NOT be sent to you via regular mail. The notice was published in today's Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB), which can be accessed at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/enb/20091223_not6.html To view the entire FEIS, go to the Upstate NY Power Corp. link at: http://upstatenypower.com/feis.html

Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or comments.

Stephen Tomasik
Project Manager
Energy Projects and Management
Division of Environmental Permits
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway - 4th Floor
Albany, New York 12233-1750
PH: (518) 486-9955
FAX: (518) 402-9168

DEC accepts Galloo Island FEIS!

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has accepted the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Hounsfield Wind Farm proposed for Galloo Island, Town of Hounsfield, Jefferson County.

forwarded message:
From: "Stephen Tomasik"
Date: December 23, 2009 3:22:48 PM EST
Subject: Hounsfield Wind Farm - Notice of Completion of FEIS

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has accepted the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Hounsfield Wind Farm proposed for Galloo Island, Town of Hounsfield, Jefferson County. A copy of this notice and the attached location map are included with this email. You are receiving this email notice because you have made comments on this project or have otherwise expressed interest in being placed on the distribution list for DEC notices regarding this project, and have provided an email address for use by DEC in communicating agency notices. Please note that a separate notice will NOT be sent to you via regular mail. The notice was published in today's Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB), which can be accessed at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/enb/20091223_not6.html To view the entire FEIS, go to the Upstate NY Power Corp. link at: http://upstatenypower.com/feis.html

Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or comments.


Stephen Tomasik
Project Manager
Energy Projects and Management
Division of Environmental Permits
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway - 4th Floor
Albany, New York 12233-1750
PH: (518) 486-9955
FAX: (518) 402-9168

Galloo Island~ Opponents Challenge Wind Farm Plans

GALLO ISLAND: Environmental studies, turbine placement under fire at Hounsfield Planning Board hearing

By NANCY MADSEN, Watertown Times Staff Writer
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2009

SACKETS HARBOR — Opponents of the proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm challenged the schedule, environmental studies and placement of the on-island facilities Monday morning during a public hearing on the site plan. The hearing, held by the Hounsfield Planning Board, attracted about 50 people. Upstate NY Power Corp. is seeking site plan approval for the 252-megawatt, 84-turbine project. Thirteen people spoke on the $500 million plan for infrastructure on the island, eight were against the project or plan as its stands.

John P. Gaus, who owns land in Hounsfield and works in renewable energy development, said the town should require written guarantees on a number of issues, including job numbers, a less intrusive lighting plan, exclusion of expansion into the water and a state environmental quality review document that "complies with the law." A SEQR should include the cumulative effects of other wind farms in the area, including the recently announced offshore wind project being considered by the New York Power Authority. "If not, the town will get sued," Mr. Gaus said.

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40 attend meeting on wind

By Nancy Madsen Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (New York)
Date: Sunday, December 20 2009

Dec. 20--CAPE VINCENT -- Residents asked questions about land, sales and money to start a community wind power project at a public meeting Saturday morning.

The session, which about 40 people attended, was organized by the Black River-St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Council. The council won a $99,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study the possibility of a community wind farm on behalf of St. Lawrence River Public Power Association.

Association organizer Hester M. Chase told the group she wants a renewable energy project in the town that will unite various factions, create revenue and lower electricity prices.

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Public hearing Dec. 21 on Galloo wind project

Link to Watertown times article -->here<--

By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2009

The public will soon get its chance to comment on the facilities for the Galloo Island Wind Farm.

The Hounsfield Planning Board will hold a hearing on the plans for a facility proposed by Upstate NY Power Corp. at 10 a.m. Dec. 21 at the Hounsfield Town Court Building, 411 W. Washington St., Sackets Harbor.

The Planning Board can't vote on the 84-turbine, 252-megawatt wind facility until the state Department of Environmental Conservation releases the final environmental impact statement and allows for a 10-day public comment period.

Galloo~ Agencies urge underwater route from wind farm to Scriba

Link -->here<-- to Watertown Times article
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

The Oswego County Board of Legislators and Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corp. joined the Jefferson County Board of Legislators in supporting a call for a underwater transmission route from the proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm to Scriba in Oswego County.

The underwater route would avoid about 40 miles on the mainland that faces opposition from some farmers and landowners in Henderson, Ellisburg, Sandy Creek, Richland and Mexico.

The three organizations are calling on the state Public Service Commission to push for more studies of alternatives, most closely the underwater transmission route. The resolution also calls on the PSC to minimize the effects on residents of Jefferson and Oswego counties.

Watertown Daily Times | Unions look forward to Galloo Island jobs

Watertown Daily Times | Unions look forward to Galloo Island jobs
PROPOSED WIND FARM: Three construction seasons expected to peak in 2011 with 125 workers; winters will suspend building

By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009


Union officials relish the job possibilities presented by the proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm.

Upstate NY Power Corp. has said the 84-turbine, 252-megawatt project would create 24 permanent jobs and 200 to 250 construction jobs during the three summers of construction.

The project has been criticized for supporting mostly construction jobs, which may last a season or two.

Hammond ~ Wind farm Law Irks New Officials

HAMMOND TOWN COUNCIL: Bertram, Tague say passage of contentious measure hurts town

Story posted in it's entirety because I do not have access to a link

By MATT MCALLISTER, JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

HAMMOND — Future municipal officers of the town of Hammond are shaking their heads about the outgoing Town Council's decision to adopt a law regulating commercial wind farms, saying the board knew that the Hammond voting public was not comfortable with it.

Ronald W. Bertram, who will take over the supervisor position from Janie G. Hollister, and Dr. James R. Tague, who will fill one of two expiring council seats, said the development was disturbing. "I'm a little disappointed," Mr. Bertram said. "The voting public expressed a view of not being happy with the law as it is. I thought we'd be taking a look at it, and would come up with a compromise that was more acceptable to everyone."

The incoming supervisor said that once the new board takes office, it may have to seek legal counsel on how best to deal with the new law. "I think the law, in its present form, is a good starting point. But it doesn't cover all of the issues that have been raised," Mr. Bertram said. "I would assume the law could be amended. Until I'm in office, and can seek legal counsel, I honestly don't know what the best course of action is. We will be happy to seek legal advice whether to repeal it or to amend it, and keep working on it."

Concerned Residents of Hammond already has filed a lawsuit, on Tuesday in state Supreme Court. The lawsuit cites State Environmental Quality Review Act violations, as well as violations of the Open Meetings Law and conflicts of interest. Plaintiffs are Pamela Winchester, James W. Brown, Roseanne E. Whittier, William C. Tanner and Christopher J. McRoberts.
The lawsuit cites the Hammond Town Council, including Mrs. Hollister and councilmen Ronald E. Tulley II, James C. Pitcher, Russell Stewart and James E. Langtry, and Code Enforcement Officer James R. Gleason.

Dr. Tague echoed the sentiments of Mr. Bertram, saying he feels the board's decision only hurts the town. "My big feeling is that they knew the voting population did not approve of the wind law in its present state. I felt that we would be given the opportunity to work on trying to write a wind law that was appropriate. Because of their actions, it hurts the town of Hammond," Dr. Tague said. "It's why we were elected. They knew that, and went ahead anyway. It's an extremely self-serving action."

The Town Council will hold its final regularly scheduled meeting of 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the town offices.

Galloo Island ~ Wind Farm Deal Pares Tax Income

GALLOO PLAN: Special 20-year PILOT would mean $5.3m less for Hounsfield, Sackets schools and county

By NANCY MADSEN, TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

The fine print of the novel payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement proposed for Galloo Island Wind Farm gives the developer stability in tax payments over 20 years, making it easier to attract investors. But the bottom line means about $5.3 million less in taxes for the coffers of the town of Hounsfield, Sackets Harbor Central School District and Jefferson County. The three taxing jurisdictions will receive base payments totaling about $54.7 million over the term of the proposed PILOT. If a normal 15-year PILOT were applied with five years of full taxation afterward, the jurisdictions would net about $60 million.

To ensure development, having a set amount in tax payments for the entire investment period "would be a big key" to attracting investors, William J. Walsh, director of the Joseph I. Lubin School of Accounting at the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.
"In New York, we have very, very high property taxes to begin with," he said. "If you combine that incentive — the ideal location for wind turbines — with the reduced taxes, and say, 'We'll match the low property taxes in other places,' that's an incentive that has worked in the past."

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Preserving the Golden Crescent Coalition

"Preserve the Golden Crescent" is a coalition group that has been formed to give a stronger voice to the many individual groups who all have one thing in common....the preservation of their areas and protection of their residents. At a recent meeting of the group, the following areas were represented: Hammond, Clayton, Orleans, Cape Vincent, Lyme, Henderson, Hounsfield, and Ellisburg.

The group has made good progress thus far and is in the process of signing a contract for a 30-second Commercial that will run on NEWS 10, the local cable station, as well as an Albany News channel that will target the elected state officials. At some point we hope to see a video that will include the 1000 Islands area all the way to Hammond.

The group plans to continue holding its meetings around the area to show support for individual groups, draw attention to their cause, and continue to address the needs of the membership. Their website just went live and can be found at: www.preservethegoldencrescent.com

Here is their first 30-second Commercial:

Hammond Board Adopts Wind Law, Citizens Take Legal Action

by Pam McDowell, 1000 Islands Sun Staff Reporter
December 9, 2009

The Hammond Town Board once again adopted a Wind Energy Facility Law to govern industrial wind development. During a special Dec. 7 meeting, Councilmen Ron Tulley and James Langtry, and Supervisor Janie Hollister voted to accept the law, called Local Law No. 1, while Councilmen James Pitcher and Russell Stewart recused themselves for conflict of interest. A wind law had been adopted on Oct. 27, 2008, but that law was later nullified due to failure to comply with the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) Act.

Even with the new law adopted, the question of whether wind development will move forward remains up in the air. Less than 24 hours after the law was passed, the Concerned Residents of Hammond and several residents filed an Article 78 Declaration of Judicial Action with the NYS Supreme Court in St. Lawrence County to determine if the law was enacted in violations of state law and should be nullified.

According to Attorney James Sonneborn of the law offices of Green and Seiter of Syracuse, the reasons for filing the Article 78 are to determine whether the town was in violcation of the SEQRA Act, open meeting law, and conflict of interest law. A temporary restraining order was also filed in an attempt to prevent the town or code enforcement officer from issuing permits until the merits of the lawsuit are determined.

At Monday's meeting, residents sat in silence in a packed library while Supervisor Hollister read a 20-page SEQRA assessment survey prior to the vote on the wind law. The board resolved to accept the SEQRA as submitted by Hollister. Another 20-page SEQRA form was then read alound, and accepted by the board in relation to a second law adopted. The second law passed is Local Law No. 2 that amends the Hammond Site Plan and Subdivision Review Law. This amendment requires wind development facilities to be governed by the wind law, rather than being subject to the Hammond Site Plan Law, which is inadequate for wind project development. The wind law provides more rigid criteria for industrial wind development.

Among Supervisor Hollister's written comments on the SEQRA form, were repeated statements regarding te existence of a wind law as being in the best interest of the town, since specific requirements on siting and setbacks of the turbines are set forth. Establishing the wind law has caused discontent and sharp divisions in the town, with some residents pushing for stricter noise and setback regulations, while others wish to move forward quickly with project development.

President of the Concerned Residents of Hammond, Mary Hamilton, responded to the passing of the wind law by saying, "We fully expected this action by the present board, and will now contemplate options that are appropriate. We were hoping the outgoing supervisor and councilmen would have better understood the November election results. If this board truly had the best interest of Hammond in mind, the would have allowed the incoming board members the opportunity for input on the issue, and would have ceased this process tonight and cooperated to allow that to happen.

On the other side of the fence, residents Robert Hollister, Marion Milsap, and Barbara Hadlock expressed support for the law. Milsap commented, "Farmers used to support this town. We had machinery dealers, restaurants, and a gas station - now it's a ghost town. Now the farmers need us to support them." Hadlock said, "We've got rich people on islands who don't care if the farmers get money from the wind." She called the passing of the law "the best thing that ever happened in Hammond," commenting that industrial wind development may create more jobs. Hollister agreed with the sediment, pointing out that people against wind development have complained that wind turbines will ruin a pristine environment. "Yet, it's their cottages along the river that have ruined the pristine environment," he said.

Once a certified copy of the law is filed with the town clerk, the New York State Department of State, the St. Lawrence County Planning Board, and the Attorney General's Office, it can immediately be enacted.

Legislature Delays Vote on Wind Farm PILOT

By NANCY MADSEN, TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2009

The county Board of Legislators is probably most noted for what it did not do in its final session of 2009: vote on the proposed payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for Galloo Island Wind Farm. Project developer Upstate NY Power Corp. has told the county it needs a PILOT passed by Dec. 31 to allow it time to get financing in order and start construction in 2010. The developer needs 5 percent of the project completed in 2010 to qualify for a 30 percent rebate through stimulus money.

County legislators are waiting for signs of a decision on the transmission line, which is not included in the PILOT. The developer applied to the Public Service Commission for a 50.6-mile transmission line that runs from the island to Henderson and then south through Ellisburg and other towns before connecting to the state grid in the town of Mexico. Hearings on the route in November raised fears that eminent domain would be necessary to site the line on the mainland through private property, including a large amount of farmland.

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Hammond Wind Law Challenged in Court

CITIZENS GROUP SUES: Lame-duck council criticized on SEQR

By MATT MCALLISTER, JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2009

HAMMOND — The anti-wind farm group Concerned Residents of Hammond has quickly challenged the legality of the wind law a lame-duck Hammond Town Council passed Monday. The decision to pass the law brought a swift response in a lawsuit filed Tuesday afternoon in the St. Lawrence County clerk’s office, Canton, by the residents group.

“We fully expected this action by the present board,” said Mary D. Hamilton, the group’s president. “We were hoping the outgoing supervisor and councilmen would have better understood the November election results. If this board truly had the best interests of the residents of Hammond in mind, they would have allowed the incoming board members the opportunity for input on this issue and would have ceased this process and cooperated to allow that to happen.”

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Hammond Board Adopts Wind Law, Citizens Take Legal Action | |

by Pam McDowell, 1000 Islands Sun Staff Reporter
December 9, 2009
The Hammond Town Board once again adopted a Wind Energy Facility Law to govern industrial wind development. During a special Dec. 7 meeting, Councilmen Ron Tulley and James Langtry, and Supervisor Janie Hollister voted to accept the law, called Local Law No. 1, while Councilmen James Pitcher and Russell Stewart recused themselves for conflict of interest. A wind law had been adopted on Oct. 27, 2008, but that law was later nullified due to failure to comply with the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) Act.

Even with the new law adopted, the question of whether wind development will move forward remains up in the air. Less than 24 hours after the law was passed, the Concerned Residents of Hammond and several residents filed an Article 78 Declaration of Judicial Action with the NYS Supreme Court in St. Lawrence County to determine if the law was enacted in violations of state law and should be nullified.

According to Attorney James Sonneborn of the law offices of Green and Seiter of Syracuse, the reasons for filing the Article 78 are to determine whether the town was in violcation of the SEQRA Act, open meeting law, and conflict of interest law. A temporary restraining order was also filed in an attempt to prevent the town or code enforcement officer from issuing permits until the merits of the lawsuit are determined.

At Monday's meeting, residents sat in silence in a packed library while Supervisor Hollister read a 20-page SEQRA assessment survey prior to the vote on the wind law. The board resolved to accept the SEQRA as submitted by Hollister. Another 20-page SEQRA form was then read alound, and accepted by the board in relation to a second law adopted. The second law passed is Local Law No. 2 that amends the Hammond Site Plan and Subdivision Review Law. This amendment requires wind development facilities to be governed by the wind law, rather than being subject to the Hammond Site Plan Law, which is inadequate for wind project development. The wind law provides more rigid criteria for industrial wind development.

Among Supervisor Hollister's written comments on the SEQRA form, were repeated statements regarding te existence of a wind law as being in the best interest of the town, since specific requirements on siting and setbacks of the turbines are set forth. Establishing the wind law has caused discontent and sharp divisions in the town, with some residents pushing for stricter noise and setback regulations, while others wish to move forward quickly with project development.

President of the Concerned Residents of Hammond, Mary Hamilton, responded to the passing of the wind law by saying, "We fully expected this action by the present board, and will now contemplate options that are appropriate. We were hoping the outgoing supervisor and councilmen would have better understood the November election results. If this board truly had the best interest of Hammond in mind, the would have allowed the incoming board members the opportunity for input on the issue, and would have ceased this process tonight and cooperated to allow that to happen.

On the other side of the fence, residents Robert Hollister, Marion Milsap, and Barbara Hadlock expressed support for the law. Milsap commented, "Farmers used to support this town. We had machinery dealers, restaurants, and a gas station - now it's a ghost town. Now the farmers need us to support them." Hadlock said, "We've got rich people on islands who don't care if the farmers get money from the wind." She called the passing of the law "the best thing that ever happened in Hammond," commenting that industrial wind development may create more jobs. Hollister agreed with the sediment, pointing out that people against wind development have complained that wind turbines will ruin a pristine environment. "Yet, it's their cottages along the river that have ruined the pristine environment," he said.

Once a certified copy of the law is filed with the town clerk, the New York State Department of State, the St. Lawrence County Planning Board, and the Attorney General's Office, it can immediately be enacted.

Hammond Town Board Passes Wind Law

LAME-DUCK ACT: Board members who voted for ordinance lost in fall election


Story posted in its entirety because I do not have a link

By MATT MCALLISTER, JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009

HAMMOND — The Hammond Town Council adopted a local wind ordinance Monday night, just weeks before some members who supported the measure are set to leave office. Town Supervisor Janie G. Hollister joined councilmen Ronald E. Tulley II and James E. Langtry in voting during a special meeting to enact a new "Wind Energy Facilities" law. Setbacks and other provisions in the new law are considered favorable to wind projects.

Mrs. Hollister, Mr. Tulley and Mr. Stewart will leave the board at the end of the month. All three were defeated at the polls in November by candidates who promised to take a more critical look at wind development. Incoming Supervisor Ronald W. Bertram and council members Douglas E. Delosh and James R. Tague will take office Jan. 1. When asked after Monday's meeting what the development will mean for the new board, Dr. Tague offered four words: "A lot of work.

Local Law No. 1 of 2009 was approved 3-0. Councilmen and wind company lease holders James C. Pitcher and Russell Stewart recused themselves from the vote.

The newly adopted wind law puts setback distances at the greater of 1 1/2 times the total tower height or 500 feet from the nearest site boundary property line, public road or edge of the Wind Overlay District. The setback requirement for towers near off-site residences that exist at the time of application is set at the greater of 2 1/2 times the total tower height or 1,500 feet.

The adoption of the new wind law comes almost a year after the town board rescinded a previous version of the law after special counsel Joseph W. Russell recommended the board conduct a state Environmental Quality Review Assessment. A grass-roots citizens group, Concerned Residents of Hammond, also brought a lawsuit against the town board over the law.

Before adopting the law Monday, the town board conducted what it called a SEQRA review in open session. Mrs. Hollister said that since the action being made by the board — adopting the law — itself had no physical impacts on the land involved, a declaration that the law will have no negative impact on the environment should be determined. "This is a local law, not a project," she said. "It is being adopted to regulate the process."

The board subsequently agreed with Mrs. Hollister to answer "not applicable" to nearly every question on the SEQRA review.
After adopting its new wind law, the town board also unanimously adopted Local Law No. 2 of 2009, which amends the Hammond Site Plan and Subdivision Review Law to exempt wind energy facilities from review. Instead, wind energy facilities will now be governed only by Local Law No. 1.

The Hammond Town Board will hold its final regularly scheduled meeting of the year at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Judge dismisses turbine proceeding

 Judge dismisses turbine proceeding

CAPE VINCENT PERMIT: Man sought to have revocation reversed; ruling says ZBA can enforce ordinance
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009

CAPE VINCENT — A state Supreme Court judge has dismissed a town of Cape Vincent man's Article 78 petition that sought to overturn the town Zoning Board of Appeals' revocation of his permit for the construction of a 92-foot personal wind turbine.

Roger D. Alexander, of 35157 County Route 7, filed the action in mid-October after spending $80,000 to construct the turbine using what he believed was a valid permit issued by Zoning Enforcement Officer Alan N. Wood.

Link to original
Watertown Daily Times | Judge dismisses turbine proceeding

Cape to defer action on wind

Watertown Daily Times | Cape to defer action on wind

PETITION FILED: Group wants three on board to abstain from vote
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009

CAPE VINCENT — The town board agreed Thursday that it will not schedule a public hearing or take any vote on a controversial proposed wind power law until at least the beginning of the year.

The stipulation came in the wake of a state Supreme Court Article 78 petition filed by the Wind Power Ethics Group LLC in which the group also is asking a judge to rule that three town board members abstain from voting on any wind power-related issues due to alleged conflicts of interest.

Disillusioned in Cape by town elections results ~ letter to the editor

Watertown Daily Times | Disillusioned in Cape by town elections results

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009


To the people of the town of Cape Vincent: Many of you probably feel disillusioned or even devastated by the results of the town elections. You may even feel victimized by certain "new" voters. But don't be too upset. You'll still be allowed to stock their favorite beer on local store shelves. You'll still be allowed to maintain the local highways, public buildings and local businesses while they enjoy their wine and cheese parties. You'll still be allowed to fight their fires.

And when they are sick or injured and call 911, you can still respond in the ambulance that your incoming supervisor doesn't know you have. Oh, and those of you who live in the village, don't worry about him changing the look of Broadway. He doesn't know that he won't also be the mayor of the village. And yes, it will still be called Cape Vincent, not Carthage.

I would like to express my great appreciation to Tom Rienbeck for his many years of unwavering dedication to the town of Cape Vincent. He has done an amazing job and accomplished so many positive things for Cape Vincent and its neighbors. My hope is that he won't be out of the supervisor's office for very long.

Julia Gosier

Three Mile Bay

PSC adds new wind farm study to list

Watertown Daily Times | PSC adds new wind farm study to list

By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009


Developers of the proposed Galloo Island, Horse Creek and Cape Vincent wind farms have one more study to add to their lists after an order from the Public Service Commission.

Under the PSC's order, dated Oct. 20, all renewable energy projects built at 80 megawatts or more in capacity must conduct the "energy deliverability" study.

Legislators to take time on PILOT ~ GALLOO ISLAND WIND FARM

Legislators to take time on PILOT
GALLOO ISLAND WIND FARM: Developer hoped deal would be sealed in time to take advantage of funding
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009


The Jefferson County Board of Legislators will take its time in considering a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for the proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm.

That pace is at odds with the project developer, which has requested the PILOT be approved by the end of the year so the project will qualify for a 30 percent rebate from the federal government through stimulus funding.

Cape Vincent ~ Seasonal Residents Protect Natural Resources~ Letter

Seasonal Residents Protect Natural Resources


Seasonal Residents Protect Natural Resources

Watertown Daily Times

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009

In response to the comment by "outgoing" Cape Vincent Supervisor Thomas Rienbeck wherein he refers to seasonal voters as selfish rich folks only interested in their cottages: Mr. Rienbeck no doubt loves seasonal residents when they pay their higher-than-average property taxes and when they financially support local business and community events.

Left in office, he would continue to appreciate all the revenue that seasonals pour into the community just so long as they dare not vote in opposition to polices he promotes, policies that would result in the destruction of many of the area's natural resources and the small-town ambience that attract seasonal residents and vacationers here in the first place.

Seasonal residents are in fact rich, but in most cases not financially rich as his comments imply. They are enriched by their enjoyment of time spent in some of the most relaxing and beautiful locations in the country, the Thousand Islands and the Golden Crescent. Seasonals choose to come to upstate New York (and in many cases retire here) from many distant destinations.

As community residents they should be afforded the same rights of citizenship as longtime residents. They pay their share, they support the community, and they also feel an obligation to protect the natural and wildlife resources of the area, an obligation that Mr. Rienbeck seems all too willing to sell to the highest bidder and deface in the process.

Also in the same edition, Don DiMonda of Sackets Harbor condemns the Times for speaking out against the Galloo Island payment-in-lieu-of-taxes arrangement. While he freely admonishes the Times for speaking out against a project that would seemingly generate millions of dollars of revenue for area towns and school districts, he conveniently forgets to say just where those millions come from. The PILOT payments are in fact only a small portion of the proceeds of millions and millions of dollars in financial incentives and tax adjustments freely given to wind developers and funded by we the people of the already bankrupt state of New York.

Every dollar of tax concessions (PILOTs, sales tax, etc.) extracted from local taxing jurisdictions becomes an instant dollar of profit for the project developer. These people know not and care not that their endeavors destroy the natural beauty, wildlife and recreational attractions of the area; they care not about negative impacts on the area's number two revenue source (travel, tourism and seasonal residents). They care not about decreased property values (and corresponding lower tax assessments).

Charles Wilson

Three Mile Bay

Galloo ~ Island Wind ~ County Pushes Underwater Route

County Pushes Underwater Route

GALLOO ISLAND WIND FARM: Alternative would move transmission cable from land to water

By NANCY MADSENn
 , TIMES STAFF WRITER

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009

Jefferson County legislators will consider Tuesday asking that the proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm transmission line be run completely underwater to Oswego County, rather than running over 20 miles of land in southern Jefferson County.

Legislator Barry M. Ormsby, R-Belleville, said he's going to offer a resolution to ask the Public Service Commission to "give serious consideration to the aquatic line versus the above-land option."

Continue reading Via this link to the WDT

Proposed wind law pulled from county meeting agenda

Proposed wind law pulled from county meeting agenda
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009

A proposed zoning law for wind development in Cape Vincent has been pulled from the Jefferson County Planning Board meeting's agenda. The county board meets Tuesday.

County senior planner Michael J. Bourcy said the town asked for the draft to be pulled this month.

At a town Planning Board meeting Wednesday night, the town made no recommendations on the draft law, saying information was missing. The Town Council canceled a public hearing scheduled for Monday.

Cape wind hearing probably canceled

Cape wind hearing probably canceled
SECTION MISSING: Town Planning Board urges council to postpone meeting on proposed law
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

CAPE VINCENT — The town Planning Board asked the Town Council not to hold a public hearing next week on a proposed wind development zoning ordinance, citing missing information.

The Planning Board, meeting Wednesday night, voted 5-0 on the resolution. The hearing for the law was to be Monday.

Hirschey squeaks out Cape Vincent win

Hirschey squeaks out Cape Vincent win
NEW TOWN SUPERVISOR: Rienbeck says seasonal voters 'selfish'

By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009

CAPE VINCENT — The official count of absentee ballots Tuesday gave victory to Urban C. Hirschey in the race for town supervisor.

Mr. Hirschey was down by 42 votes on Election Day but picked up 62 more votes than Democratic incumbent Thomas K. Rienbeck in absentees, 144-82. The final tally was 634-614.

 Continue reading via this link to the WDT times

2009 Lame Duck Wind Law ~

Correction ~ Not too long ago I did a post concerning a Watertown Times article where it was reported that Councilman ,Donald J Mason claimed that he had never voted on a wind matter. My post contained a video proving otherwise.
The vote in question, resolution number 17, to enact a wind law.
I have a correction. Resolution # 17 does exist
I found a copy of resolution number 17 in my files.




Link to my original post.

Link to the Watertown Times article

Galloo Island ~ Transmission line gets no support

Transmission line gets no support

Nancy Madsen, Watertown Daily Times Staff Writer

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009

Landowners in Henderson and Ellisburg are charged up over the proposed transmission line for Galloo Island Wind Farm.

They voiced their displeasure with the plan during public hearings for the Public Service Commission on Monday morning and evening in Henderson and Belleville. In fact, none of the about 50 speakers at Monday's hearings supported the project.

 Continue reading via this link to the WDT Times

Cape slates hearing for law on wind

Watertown Daily Times | Cape slates hearing for law on wind

ZONING AMENDMENT: Wind Power Ethics Group says proposal not tough enough on sound restrictions
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009


CAPE VINCENT — It could be the 11th hour for the Town Council, so it has decided to move ahead with an amendment to the zoning law for wind energy development.

The proposed law does not contain overt restrictions on sound, either by an absolute number or by a number relative to ambient noise levels. That upsets members of the Wind Power Ethics Group, which has opposed proposed wind developments in the town and actions by town boards that have conflicts of interest.

Wind Power Ethics Group says proposal not tough enough on sound restrictiions

Wind Power Ethics Group says proposal not tough enough on sound restrictiions

NANCY MADSEN, WATERTOWN TIMES STAFF REPORTER,

NOVEMBER 14, 2009

CAPE VINCENT It could be the 11th hour for the Town Council, so it has decided to move ahead with an amendment to the zoning law for wind energy development.

The proposed law does not contain overt restrictions on sound, either by an absolute number or by a number relative to ambient noise levels. That upsets members of the Wind Power Ethics Group, which has opposed proposed wind developments in the town and actions by town boards that have conflicts of interest.

 continue reading via this link to the WDT Times

Galloo~ Developers win ~ Watertown Times Editorial

Bad deal for Jefferson County taxpayers

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009


Jefferson County homeowners, dairy farmers and small businesses will pay the price in higher taxes to subsidize tax breaks for developers of the Galloo Island Wind Farm under the terms of a tax agreement worked out with the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency.

The county, town of Hounsfield and Sackets Harbor School District will lose out on tens of millions of dollars in property taxes on the nearly $500 million project under the terms of the JCIDA agreement with Upstate NY Power Corp. for payments in lieu of taxes.

The Cape Vincent Town Board passed a LAME DUCK resolution to enact a local law to regulate wind development in the Town of Cape Vinc

November 12, 2009 The Cape Vincent Town Board passed a LAME DUCK resolution to enact a local law to regulate wind development in the Town of Cape Vincent .
The resolution
Now, therefore be it resolved by the Town of Cape Vincent Town Board As Follows:

1. The Town Board is the SEQRA lead agency for purposes of reviewing the enactment of the wind Energy Facilities law in accordance with SEQRA ;

2. The action is Unlisted within the meaning of the SEQRA regulations;

3. The Town Board has completed part 1 of a full environmental Assessment Form which is attached here to and adopted hereby;

4. The draft Wind Energy Facilities law last revised on August 12, 2009 shall be referred together with part 1 of the full Environmental Assessment form to the Town of Cape Vincent Planning Board in accordance with the Zoning Law, and Jefferson County Planning Department in accordance with the General Municipal law, for review and comment;

5. A public hearing to gather public and/ or agency comment on the draft wind energy Facilities law shall be held at Recreation Park on November 23 , 2009 at 7:00 P.M., and written comments shall be accepted by the Town Board , care of the Town Supervisor’s Office , through November 30, 2009;

6. The Town Clerk shall cause a public hearing notice to be published in the Watertown Daily Times on November 13, 2009 and posted on the official Town sign –board.
The Vote
Town Board Member - AYE
1. Thomas K. Reinbeck - AYE
2. Marty Mason - AYE
3. Mickey Orvis- AYE
4. Joseph Wood - AYE
5. Donald Mason - AYE

WIND LAW PLAN LEADS TO FEUD ~ Clayton

WIND LAW PLAN LEADS TO FEUD
By Nancy Madsen, Watertown Times Staff Writer

November 12, 2009

CLAYTON ” Iberdrola Renewables Inc. and Environmentally Concerned Citizens Organization are trading jabs over the proposal to amend the town's zoning law for wind power facilities.

Iberdrola's attorney, Douglas H. Ward, of Young, Sommer, Ward, Ritzenberg, Baker & Moore LLC, Albany, asked the town not to change the town's zoning law in a Sept. 21 letter.

Galloo Island ~ Developer windfall: $23 million

PILOT AGREEMENT: Galloo Island project PILOT is $2.4 million

By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009

The proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm is ready to agree to spend more than $2 million per year as part of a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement, but it stands to save nearly $23 million in other tax abatements.

Officials from the town of Hounsfield, Sackets Harbor Central School District and Jefferson County are firming up their division of a property tax PILOT, which will generate $2.14 million per year.

Rienbeck, Hirschey await absentee ballots count

By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009

CAPE VINCENT — A week has passed since Election Day, but the race for town supervisor is far from over.

Democratic incumbent Thomas K. Rienbeck currently holds a 42-vote lead over Republican Urban C. Hirschey, 532-490. However, there were 259 absentee ballots issued, and 230 were returned to the Board of Elections office. Those votes could turn the tables on the incumbent.

The absentee ballots will be counted Nov. 17.

Mr. Hirschey said that several of the absentee ballots represent seasonal residents — from Syracuse, Rochester and Utica — who changed their registration to Cape Vincent to have a voice in the election.

"I'd be delighted if I win," Mr. Hirschey said. "But let's not count our chickens before they hatch."

Mr. Rienbeck did not return calls seeking comment Monday.

Mr. Rienbeck, who has been in office for 10 years, said earlier last week that he was not going to assume his victory when there were more than 200 absentee votes to be counted. He also said he hopes "things will stay the way they are right now."

Mr. Hirschey, a Republican, said winning almost half of the votes cast on Election Day, despite conflicts with his own political party, was itself "a victory" for him and his supporters.

"I'm very pleased on how well we did," he said. "Whichever side wins, they must be respectful of the other side."

The local Republican committee dropped its support for Mr. Hirschey and other Republican candidates for town office because several members said they felt the Democratic contenders, such as Mr. Rienbeck, were more qualified.

Mr. Hirschey is a member and former chairman of the Wind Power Ethics Group, which opposes unregulated wind development in the town. Mr. Rienbeck has supported the proposed wind farm projects.

If he is elected supervisor, Mr. Hirschey said, his main priorities will be adopting a "good wind law" to spread out the wind turbines and revitalizing the town's Main Street.

Two wind projects are proposed in Cape Vincent: the Cape Vincent Wind Farm in the southern part of the town's agricultural district and the St. Lawrence Wind Farm planned for the northern part.

Mr. Hirschey said he also plans to make the town's decision-making process more transparent to the public by videotaping town meetings and uploading them on the town's Web site.

Mr. Hirschey is the chairman of the Board of Directors of Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, the vice president of the Carthage Industrial Development Corp. and the former chairman of Climax Manufacturing Co., a plant in Lowville that manufacturers packaging.

PILOT plans draw outsider comments

PILOT plans draw outsider comments

By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009

A handful of people from outside Hounsfield commented on the proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement Monday night.

The PILOT considered at the hearing, held by the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, only covers the 84 turbines and ancillary structures on the island and the underwater transmission line in Hounsfield. There will be PILOT negotiations and a public hearing sometime in the future for the part of the 50.6-mile transmission line that runs from Henderson to the town of Mexico.

Wind farms shouldn't qualify for PILOTs, asserted Albert H. Bowers III, Chaumont.

"My understanding is that a PILOT is a reduction in property taxes to entice employment and economic activity," he said. "I don't believe that industrial wind turbines qualify for either."


Instead, he said, wind developers make their money off of tax incentives from federal and state governments.

"I think it's a misuse of the PILOT concept to use the PILOT to encourage a developer who will reach into our pockets at the federal and state level," he said. "All of this comes at our expense."

In its application to JCIDA, Upstate NY Power projected 24 jobs created in the next three years, along with 200 to 250 construction jobs.

JCIDA, using a consultant, devised a two-tier collection on the wind farm PILOT. It would include a base payment of $8,500 per megawatt of rated capacity, plus a supplemental payment based on energy prices, the source of revenue for wind projects. Those supplemental payments would kick in when energy prices top $60 per megawatt, which has happened three out of the past four years.

Clayton Supervisor Justin A. Taylor warned JCIDA that other taxing jurisdictions involved in wind power development may not accept the same system. Clayton and Orleans are the proposed locations for Horse Creek Wind Farm, a 62-turbine development whose application is currently suspended.

Besides the PILOT, Upstate NY Power Corp. asked for a sale-leaseback arrangement with JCIDA. That could save Upstate NY Power about $22.7 million in sales and mortgage recording tax breaks.

A few people talked about the possible harm of the project.

Robert E. Ashodian, Henderson, said the wind farm will hurt property values in Henderson.

"The residents of Henderson will see their very, very brilliant viewshed destroyed by the construction of the project," he said. "There will be a deterioration in our assessed values."

Edward H. DeMattia Jr., Lyme, said, "It will affect me and the value of my property and my neighbors."

County Legislator Barry M. Ormsby, R-Belleville, said local and county officials do understand other towns besides Hounsfield will feel the effects of Galloo Island.

The town of Hounsfield, Sackets Harbor Central School District and Jefferson County will need to approve the PILOT and agree on how they're sharing the proceeds. The base payment for the 252-megawatt project will be about $2.14 million.

Representatives of the town and county said Monday they have a tentative agreement, but would not talk about the specifics.

Before the hearing, town Supervisor Martin A. DelSignore said the Town Council may discuss the PILOT as soon as Thursday. County administrator Robert F. Hagemann III said he expects the town and school district to act on the full agreement before the county Board of Legislators votes on the action.

"Without local approval, it doesn't make sense to have the more macro-level approvals first," he said.

The JCIDA board will consider the PILOT at its next meeting, 8 a.m. Dec. 3 at the Watertown Center for Business and Industry.

PSC rule exposes wind company's motives ~ Letter

Watertown Daily Times PSC rule exposes wind company's motives

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009


A few days ago there was a most revealing article in the Albany Times Union, and it affects all state citizens.

The Public Service Commission recently said that before industrial wind projects could be approved that they had to:

■ Prove that their electricity was not just going to replace carbon dioxide-free hydro-produced electricity, and

■ Verify that available transmission capability was sufficient to carry their anticipated new power.


My first reaction was that these things haven't been formally checked out all along? The admission of that is simply astounding.

Then I see from the story that the big multinational wind companies have objected to these conditions as being too expensive. Additionally they expressed great concern that, if the results of these analyses turned out to be negative, that this information could be used against them as a basis to turn down a project. Imagine that.

So, in other words, state taxpayers and ratepayers should simply fund the developers' lucrative projects even though they may well be providing zero environmental benefit (replacing hydro) and may not be able to have their power go onto the state grid?

That should make it quite clear to anyone paying attention as to what their motivation is. It is not about benefiting state citizens, the state environment or the state electricity situation.

Then, to top it off, a purported "environmental" representative, Carol Murphy, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE-NY), said that the PSC's required checks are: "ridiculous, they're not helpful at all. They send a very, very bad message. What they tell people to do is try to avoid the PSC." She went on to say that ACE-NY might sue the PSC on this matter.

ACE-NY's Mission Statement makes bold proclamations about their organization being all about benefiting the state economically and reducing air pollution. Why would they object to making sure that carbon dioxide was really being saved and that the power being paid for was really going to the grid?

They are really wind energy lobbyists, and those good words about their "mission" are just a sleight-of-hand show to rope in the gullible public to support their self-serving lobbying efforts. It's good that this situation has given us an opportunity to see their real spots!

So kudos to the PSC for finally asking for some extremely reasonable information; hopefully this will be the start for them asking for even more worthwhile data, and more are definitely needed.

John Droz jr.

Brantingham Lake

Wind farm will harm Little Galloo bird life ~ Letter

Wind farm will harm Little Galloo bird life

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2009

While the Galloo Island Wind Farm project seems to be moving slowly along, I am writing on behalf of those who cannot, the birds.

Very close to Galloo Island is 43-acre Little Galloo Island. This, along with Gull Island and two small sites on Galloo Island, is designated the "Lake Ontario Bird Conservation Area" by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. These islands are one of the premier colonial waterbird nesting areas in North America. On Little Galloo is found probably the largest colony of ring-billed gulls in North America. Also found there is one of just two confirmed nesting sites in New York state for Caspian terns. These are designated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation a "species of greatest conservation need." Herring gulls and great black-backed gulls nest there as do double-crested cormorants.
Nearby construction activity, increased water traffic and the presence of 77 wind turbines will have a negative impact on these Little Galloo colonial nesters as well as migrating waterfowl. Collisions are inevitable.
While an increase in revenue may result for the town of Hounsfield, we may damage one of our important natural areas. I hope serious efforts continue to be made to monitor the impact of this project.

Mary Zimmer

The writer is also a resident of the town of Hounsfield and member of the North Country Bird Club and Onondaga Audubon Society.

Cape Vincent supervisor among close town races

Watertown Daily Times | Cape Vincent supervisor among close town races

By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2009


There were several close town office races in Jefferson County, and absentee votes could easily swing the results in some contested races.

Voters in Cape Vincent apparently re-elected Democratic Supervisor Thomas K. Rienbeck, according to unofficial results. Mr. Rienbeck received 532 votes, while Republican challenger Urban C. Hirschey received 490 votes.

Mr. Rienbeck said that he felt pretty good about the unofficial results Tuesday night but that the results were too close to declare his victory.

 Continue reading via title link

Wind developer leaving Henderson

STONY POINT PROJECT: Company says town has been unwilling to hear plans, meet with representatives

By NANCY MADSEN

TIMES STAFF WRITER

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2009

HENDERSON — Stony Point Wind Farm is dead.

In a Oct. 22 letter from Nixon Peabody LLP, Rochester, which represents developer United Wind Energy, Mahwah, N.J., the law firm told the town they were pulling out of the development.

"Based on the town's serial re-enactments of a moratorium prohibiting wind energy projects, stony wind has decided to direct its resources to other prospective projects elsewhere in the state," the letter states.

Link to WDT article here

The Buck stopped here ~ Opinion

"Somewhere, local officials got it into their heads that a town post was a good path to take for personal enrichment. And I have to admit, the sudden proliferation of proposed wind farms has brought this out in spades."

The Buck stopped here

Watertown Daily Times
First published: October 31, 2009 at 10:11 am

 There was a time, not so long ago, when town officials both elected and appointed felt a necessity to comport themselves with dignity, to try to uphold their oaths of office, to set an example through word and deed for their constituents. It was sort of what we expected from the people we put in office, and the people that they appointed to unpaid, volunteer posts.

But somewhere along the line, all that stopped. Somewhere, local officials got it into their heads that a town post was a good path to take for personal enrichment. And I have to admit, the sudden proliferation of proposed wind farms has brought this out in spades.

In October, Oswegatchie Councilman Kenneth Wilson let people know he is unashamed of using his vote to cash in on the, er, windfall...

Link here to continue reading original article

Downstate wind farm is providing tax relief ~ letter

Downstate wind farm is providing tax relief
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2009

For people who think wind farms do not benefit their host communities:

The High Sheldon Wind project is located in the Finger Lakes region in Wyoming County. Sheldon Energy, a subsidiary of Invenergy, was the developer for that wind project. The project's Final Environmental Impact Statement is available online. From the 139-page document, these details emerge about the project's payment in lieu of taxes:

"Property taxes will be paid to the fire districts from day one of the project. At the conclusion of the payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement, taxes will also be paid to the town, county and school districts. Under the Host Community Agreement, payments will be made to the town, county and school districts. As Sheldon Energy has repeatedly stated, these revenues from Sheldon Energy could be used by the town to pay for its normal expenditures, reducing the amount of money that must be collected in property taxes to meet the annual town budget. The final determination on how to use these new revenues is in the hands of the elected officials, not Sheldon Energy."

Paterson to visit Cape Vincent farm Tuesday

Paterson to visit Cape Vincent farm Tuesday
TIMES STAFF REPORT
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2009


Gov. David A. Paterson will visit the Woods Farm, 9065 County Routy 9, Cape Vincent, at 1 p.m. Tuesday to make an "economic recovery announcement."

Mr. Paterson is expected to announce that the New York Power Authority's north country stimulus program is finalized, and it's been expanded to include dairy farmers, according to a source familiar with the event.

Iberdrola discloses municipal officers it is paying

Watertown Daily Times | Iberdrola discloses municipal officers it is paying

JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2009


HAMMOND — Iberdrola Renewables Inc., the wind company developing the Stone Church Wind Farm Project, has released a list of municipal officers and their relatives the company is paying to use their property.

The four people named in the public notice are Hammond Town Councilman James C. Pitcher; John Mitchell, whose wife, Ann, was Hammond town clerk from 1988 to 2005; Hammond Planning Board member Steven S. Demick; and town of Oswegatchie Councilman Kenneth A. Wilson.

Continue reading via title link

Galloo wind farm approvals pursued

Watertown Daily Times | Galloo wind farm approvals pursued

By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2009


The drive for approvals on several fronts has begun for the proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm.

This week, developer Upstate NY Power Corp. submitted the site plan application for the wind farm to the town of Hounsfield Planning Board. Before the site plan can be approved, the state environmental quality review process must be completed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Earlier this month, Upstate NY Power Corp. received approval from the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency for a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement separate from the uniform tax-exempt policy in development for wind projects across the county.

Consider wind issues when you vote Nov. 3 ~ Letter

Consider wind issues when you vote Nov. 3

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2009

For the past 10-plus years, our county and school taxes have gone up year after year. For the past three to four years, there has been an increasing threat of industrial-type wind complexes moving into the town of Lyme and many other towns in Jefferson County.

All over this country, these so-called wind farms are built on farmland, which in many cases receives farm subsidies paid by the taxpayer. Then taxpayer money is used to subsidize wind turbines built on their land. As their land value goes up, the property values around these wind-overlay zones go down. There are many cases where people could not sell their property, and some have had to abandon their homes due to turbine noise and additional health factors. When local groups sue the towns for allowing this to happen, the taxpayer pays for their lawyer and the town's lawyer. The people in this state most know industrial wind farms are a lose-lose situation for the taxpaying public.

It is obvious that many towns in Jefferson County are lining up for wind turbine complexes around the eastern shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency ( JCIDA) is also encouraging these foreign wind companies to move faster and cut off the debate on the concerns for health and property value impacts that these turbines and power lines have on the local population. It is also obvious to me that little care for these concerns exists among many in our town, county and state political leadership.

We should all be asking for a minimum 30 percent reduction in our county and school taxes under the threat of wind turbines coming here. This is in line with other towns here in New York and towns in other parts of the country.

In a recent wind turbine impact study (September 2009) of Dodge and Fon DuLac counties, Wisconsin, property values went down 30 percent to 70 percent. Think about this when you go to the polls Nov. 3 to select people who represent you or some wind company from Spain where wind has proven an economic disaster for that country.

Diane Rutigliano

Three Mile Bay

Consider wind issues when you vote Nov. 3

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2009

For the past 10-plus years, our county and school taxes have gone up year after year. For the past three to four years, there has been an increasing threat of industrial-type wind complexes moving into the town of Lyme and many other towns in Jefferson County.

All over this country, these so-called wind farms are built on farmland, which in many cases receives farm subsidies paid by the taxpayer. Then taxpayer money is used to subsidize wind turbines built on their land. As their land value goes up, the property values around these wind-overlay zones go down. There are many cases where people could not sell their property, and some have had to abandon their homes due to turbine noise and additional health factors. When local groups sue the towns for allowing this to happen, the taxpayer pays for their lawyer and the town's lawyer. The people in this state most know industrial wind farms are a lose-lose situation for the taxpaying public.

It is obvious that many towns in Jefferson County are lining up for wind turbine complexes around the eastern shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency ( JCIDA) is also encouraging these foreign wind companies to move faster and cut off the debate on the concerns for health and property value impacts that these turbines and power lines have on the local population. It is also obvious to me that little care for these concerns exists among many in our town, county and state political leadership.

We should all be asking for a minimum 30 percent reduction in our county and school taxes under the threat of wind turbines coming here. This is in line with other towns here in New York and towns in other parts of the country.

In a recent wind turbine impact study (September 2009) of Dodge and Fon DuLac counties, Wisconsin, property values went down 30 percent to 70 percent. Think about this when you go to the polls Nov. 3 to select people who represent you or some wind company from Spain where wind has proven an economic disaster for that country.

Diane Rutigliano

Three Mile Bay

link to original

Cape Dem decides to stay in race for council

Watertown Daily Times | Cape Dem decides to stay in race for council

By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009


CAPE VINCENT — Richard H. Macsherry, a Democratic candidate for a Town Council seat, is back in the race.

Mr. Macsherry, Tibbetts Point, said he notified the town supervisor, Thomas K. Rienbeck, that he was dropping out, but recently changed his mind.

"After having a number of very positive feedback from people and upon further reflection on my life, I decided to reinstate my candidacy," he said.

Mr. Macsherry, who is the Wind Power Ethics Group's representative on the town's wind zoning law committee, said his position on wind development in Cape Vincent is neutral.

"I'm not taking sides on the wind issue. But I'd like to be a part of what's happening in Cape Vincent," he said.

A Watertown native, Mr. Macsherry holds master's degrees in social work and public administration.

He said that he left the area for 30 years to work in administration at several hospitals in New York and Mississippi. Mr. Macsherry said he often came back to the region to visit his parents and moved to Cape Vincent with his wife, Deborah M., 21/2 years ago.

His parents, Richard R. and Mary H., are the founders of the Macsherry Library in Alexandria Bay.

"My family has always been civic-minded. But I'm the first one to consider running for public office," Mr. Macsherry said.

Because of a reporter's error, a story in Wednesday's Times incorrectly identified Mr. Macsherry as a Republican candidate for Town Council.

Cape GOP not backing candidates ~ Oct 2009

BACK TO ARCHIVE SEARCH

15 October 2009

Page: A1

Edition: Both

Section: Jefferson

Copyright, 2009, Johnson Newspaper Corporation

Cape GOP not backing candidates

HIRSCHEY ABANDONED: Committee members, as individuals, believe Democrat Rienbeck is better choice

By Jaegun LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER

CAPE VINCENT — The town's Republican committee has dropped its support for Republican candidates for town office because several members say they feel the Democratic contenders are more qualified.

Urban C. Hirschey, the Republican candidate for town supervisor, said the committee turned its back on him to support his Democratic opponent and current supervisor, Thomas K. Rienbeck, whom the committee members are more familiar with.

"They basically said they are not going to support us. We're basically on our own," Mr. Hirschey said. "In a small town like this, there are strong bonds that are formed."

Mr. Hirschey is a leader of Wind Power Ethics Group, which has opposed the two proposed wind farms in the town. Mr. Rienbeck has supported them.

Raymond R. Benjamin, a Republican candidate for a Town Council seat, said he is dropping out of the race partly because of the issues with town's Republican committee. However, Mr. Benjamin said, he also determined that John L. Byrne III, who will appear on the Cape Vincent Citizens Party line, would be able to put more time and effort towards the town's businesses.

"I don't have the time and John does," Mr. Benjamin said

The Times was unable Wednesday to reach Richard H. Macsherry, Tibbetts Point, the Republican candidate for the other council seat. Mr. Macsherry replaced Mr. Hirschey as the Wind Power Ethics Group's representative on the town's wind zoning law committee.

Marty T. Mason and Robert H. Chapman, co-chairmen of the town Republican Committee, both said the committee is neither supporting the Republican candidates for town office nor openly supporting Mr. Rienbeck

"We're not openly supporting Mr. Rienbeck. But individually, our allegiance has always been with Mr. Rienbeck," Mr. Chapman said. "I really feel that he has done a fantastic job and, personally, I think he's the right person for the job."

Mr. Chapman said he also believed that the Democratic candidates for town council had "better ideals."

Mr. Mason, who is also a town councilman, said the committee members agreed to "sit back and see how things unfold."

Donald G.M. Coon III, chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Committee, said the party's bylaws prohibit local committees from supporting Democratic candidates.

"A Republican committee has the option not to support a candidate, and do nothing, but they don't have the right to work against that candidate as a whole," Mr. Coon said.

He said the county committee has the authority to remove local committee members if they act contrary to its bylaws.

"It's just too bad these issues are tearing apart these small communities," Mr. Coon said.

Link here to article

Cape Vincent ~ Man asks judge to reverse ZBA ruling

 Man asks judge to reverse ZBA ruling

By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2009

state Supreme Court judge likely will decide whether a town of Cape Vincent man can keep a personal wind turbine on his property.

Roger D. Alexander, of 35157 County Route 7, filed an Article 78 action Tuesday at the Jefferson County Clerk's office against the town's Zoning Board of Appeals, asking that a judge reverse and annul a Sept. 14 decision by the board revoking a permit for the construction of a 92-foot turbine.

 Link to original
Man asks judge to reverse ZBA ruling

Wind farm substation is damaged by blaze

By STEVE VIRKLER

TIMES STAFF WRITER

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2009

The Columbus Day fire was the second transformer fire at the site, with a similar incident occurring July 4, 2007. In that case, 491 gallons of mineral oil leaked from the damaged transformer and temporarily contaminated a nearby residential well. About 15 other wells also were tested, but none was affected.

Some oil also leaked into the soil Monday, although the amount hasn't been determined yet, said state Department of Environmental Conservation Region 6 spokesman Stephen W. Litwhiler. The transformer had a capacity of 550 gallons, but some of the oil burned, remained inside the unit or was recovered before it seeped into the soil.

The wind farm retained a firm Monday night to immediately begin excavation of contaminated soil, and DEC will continue to investigate and monitor the situation, Mr. Litwhiler said.

DEC officials on Tuesday were attempting to contact the homeowner whose well had been contaminated in 2007 to notify him of the incident, he said.

Attempts to reach wind farm officials for comment Tuesday afternoon were unsuccessful.

WEST MARTINSBURG — A transformer at the Maple Ridge Wind Farm's substation off Rector Road was destroyed by fire late Monday afternoon.

Martinsburg firefighters were dispatched to the substation about 5 p.m. but had to wait until the facility was shut down before extinguishing the blaze, said Lewis County Fire Coordinator James M. Martin.

The fire was contained to the damaged part, located outside the control building, Mr. Martin said.

"It didn't get inside, and it didn't get into the other transformers," he said.

link here to WDT article

Cape challengers not qualified to lead town~ Letter

Watertown Daily Times Cape challengers not qualified to lead town

Cape challengers not qualified to lead town
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2009


The voters of Cape Vincent need to stop, take a deep breath and look at the bigger picture.

There are three candidates in the town election who are trying to make the upcoming election a one-issue election because they are not qualified to take on multiple town government issues.

Also up for re-election are two incumbents, lifelong residents Tom Rienbeck and Mickey Orvis, who have proven they are capable of taking on multiple issues in town government. Tom, along with Mickey and the other current town board members, have given us the lowest tax rate in almost 30 years, plus the town's fund balance has increased by 300 percent.

Because of the current town board, Cape residents now have affordable potable water. Cape residents requested affordable potable water, and the town board answered this request with construction of three water districts.

People have criticized our town board for not having a referendum on wind. Don't these people know that people cannot vote to determine whether landowners have a right to lease their land? As a private landowner in America, you have the right to lease your land to whomever you want, and you don't need to wait for people to cast their vote on that choice.

People need to look at the bigger picture. The three one-issue candidates belong to the group that dragged Cape residents into a costly lawsuit, a lawsuit that the group lost. This group is always pushing misinformation and criticizing people who don't swallow their misinformation.

The National Association of Realtors did research that proved wind turbines will not affect real estate values (www.realtor.org). Tell this to the one-issue candidates, and they'll tell you personal stories that distort the facts. These stories can't trump a national organization's expert analysis. This group always confuses opinion with facts.

Tell the candidates from this group that residents are already used to Wolfe Island's turbines, where most residents' houses are facing, and they'll be confused. Tell them people think the turbines are majestic, and they'll call you a "rotten human being," like one member of this group called a Cape town official.

Cory White

Cape Vincent