TURBINE ZONING:
link here to continue reading Iberdrola counsel says proposed law likely will prevent development
By MATT MCALLISTER
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2010
HAMMOND — The town's Wind Committee voted 9-1 Tuesday evening to adopt the controversial Residential Property Value Guarantee and move it on to the Town Council as part of its proposed wind zoning law. Committee member and wind farm leaseholder Michele W. McQueer cast the lone dissenting vote.
With the move, the committee appears to have taken direct aim at the company most interested in locating a wind farm in Hammond.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Watertown Daily Times | Cape town lawmakers to discuss ire over Edsall
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times Cape town lawmakers to discuss ire over Edsall
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The Town Council will meet with the Planning Board in an executive session early in January to discuss "personnel matters" regarding embattled Planning Board Chairman Richard J. Edsall.
Town Attorney Mark G. Gebo advised the town that the meeting can legally be closed to the public because Mr. Edsall is a paid town employee and his work history will be discussed, Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey said.
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The Town Council will meet with the Planning Board in an executive session early in January to discuss "personnel matters" regarding embattled Planning Board Chairman Richard J. Edsall.
Town Attorney Mark G. Gebo advised the town that the meeting can legally be closed to the public because Mr. Edsall is a paid town employee and his work history will be discussed, Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey said.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
A reason not to do business with Iberdola ~ opinion
s A reason not to do business with Iberdola
A reason not to do business with Iberdola
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010
I read with a great deal of interest the article covering the proceedings of the Hammond Wind Committee. Iberdrola threatening to leave caught my eye, but really did not come as a big surprise to me.
Apparently, some Hammond wind committee members would like a guarantee that their residents are not harmed by property value loss by living next to a farm of 75 500-foot-tall spinning structures. Wind developers across the country (including Iberdrola) have been touting their own financed findings of no impact on property values.
If Iberdrola were genuine in their claim that a wind project has no negative economic consequences for adjacent property owners, then any guarantee to make them whole costs Iberdrola nothing but still allows adjacent property owners to sleep comfortably in the knowledge that they can and will be made whole, if the development in Hammond results in significant loss in property values.
Why can't Iberdrola put their money where their mouth is? Number one, living next to a wind turbine farm does decrease the desirability and will decrease values. There are numerous studies that have shown that, which have been swept under the rug.
Number two, CNBC Financials in a report characterized Iberdrola as a troubled Spanish business desperate to raise cash and reported that they are selling off assets. This company is in financial trouble and wants to use unknowing landowners for their profit and wants to dismiss any responsibility for any damage they do.
The very approach of the developer saying to the community "we're going to take our money and go away if you don't do things our way" should be enough to convince anyone that Hammond has no business doing any business with these people.
Brooke Stark
Hammond
A reason not to do business with Iberdola
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010
I read with a great deal of interest the article covering the proceedings of the Hammond Wind Committee. Iberdrola threatening to leave caught my eye, but really did not come as a big surprise to me.
Apparently, some Hammond wind committee members would like a guarantee that their residents are not harmed by property value loss by living next to a farm of 75 500-foot-tall spinning structures. Wind developers across the country (including Iberdrola) have been touting their own financed findings of no impact on property values.
If Iberdrola were genuine in their claim that a wind project has no negative economic consequences for adjacent property owners, then any guarantee to make them whole costs Iberdrola nothing but still allows adjacent property owners to sleep comfortably in the knowledge that they can and will be made whole, if the development in Hammond results in significant loss in property values.
Why can't Iberdrola put their money where their mouth is? Number one, living next to a wind turbine farm does decrease the desirability and will decrease values. There are numerous studies that have shown that, which have been swept under the rug.
Number two, CNBC Financials in a report characterized Iberdrola as a troubled Spanish business desperate to raise cash and reported that they are selling off assets. This company is in financial trouble and wants to use unknowing landowners for their profit and wants to dismiss any responsibility for any damage they do.
The very approach of the developer saying to the community "we're going to take our money and go away if you don't do things our way" should be enough to convince anyone that Hammond has no business doing any business with these people.
Brooke Stark
Hammond
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Hammond Wind Farm Project Could Be In Jeopardy ~ Video
WWNY TV 7
Jessica Shaw ~ reports
Story Published: Dec 13, 2010 at 5:15 PM EST
It's just a proposal from a committee, but it could be enough to stop a planned wind farm dead in its tracks.
Iberdrola Renewables is looking at the town of Hammond in St. Lawrence County as a place to locate a wind farm.
However, Iberdrola doesn't like a new idea being floated by the town's wind committee.
The group is proposing that Iberdrola compensate property owners who see their land values decrease because of the wind farm.
The proposal would also make the developer buy property from a land owner who doesn't like living near the farm.
"This particular proposal is unworkable for any type of development and we are and were willing to work with this committee to find a way to comfort these land owners. Forcing any developer to purchase at an as yet undetermined price, every property owned by a land owner who might want to sell would destroy the economics of any commercial project," said Jan Johnson, spokesperson for Iberdrola.
The developers have sent a letter to Hammond officials saying there's proof their turbines would have no negative effect on land values and if this proposal goes through, the wind project in Hammond would be scrapped.
"I've heard both side of the story - property values don't decrease. I've heard they could. I think something should be in place to protect people if they are affected," said Hammond Town Supervisor Ronald Bertram.
However, Bertram said he's just not sure if this proposal is the right one.
He said the property value proposal still needs to go before the Hammond Town Board, but that probably won't happen until January.
Meanwhile, Iberdrola officials say they're not against having a law to protect land value, they just think this particular one is "unworkable".
Jessica Shaw ~ reports
Story Published: Dec 13, 2010 at 5:15 PM EST
It's just a proposal from a committee, but it could be enough to stop a planned wind farm dead in its tracks.
Iberdrola Renewables is looking at the town of Hammond in St. Lawrence County as a place to locate a wind farm.
However, Iberdrola doesn't like a new idea being floated by the town's wind committee.
The group is proposing that Iberdrola compensate property owners who see their land values decrease because of the wind farm.
The proposal would also make the developer buy property from a land owner who doesn't like living near the farm.
"This particular proposal is unworkable for any type of development and we are and were willing to work with this committee to find a way to comfort these land owners. Forcing any developer to purchase at an as yet undetermined price, every property owned by a land owner who might want to sell would destroy the economics of any commercial project," said Jan Johnson, spokesperson for Iberdrola.
The developers have sent a letter to Hammond officials saying there's proof their turbines would have no negative effect on land values and if this proposal goes through, the wind project in Hammond would be scrapped.
"I've heard both side of the story - property values don't decrease. I've heard they could. I think something should be in place to protect people if they are affected," said Hammond Town Supervisor Ronald Bertram.
However, Bertram said he's just not sure if this proposal is the right one.
He said the property value proposal still needs to go before the Hammond Town Board, but that probably won't happen until January.
Meanwhile, Iberdrola officials say they're not against having a law to protect land value, they just think this particular one is "unworkable".
Iberdrola threatens to pull project
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times Iberdrola threatens to pull project
COMPANY CALLS RULES 'UNWORKABLE': Proposal would force buyouts if owners oppose wind turbines
By MATT MCALLISTER
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2010
HAMMOND — Iberdrola Renewables is threatening to pull its plans for a wind farm here if the Town Council passes rules it deems "unworkable."
The board is considering a law proposed by the town's wind committee that would require Iberdrola Renewables to compensate property owners who see drops in their land values because of the presence of wind turbines. The proposal also requires the company to buy out any property owner who objects to living near a turbine.
Link -->here<-- to the Watertown Times to read the many comments posted to this article!!!
COMPANY CALLS RULES 'UNWORKABLE': Proposal would force buyouts if owners oppose wind turbines
By MATT MCALLISTER
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2010
HAMMOND — Iberdrola Renewables is threatening to pull its plans for a wind farm here if the Town Council passes rules it deems "unworkable."
The board is considering a law proposed by the town's wind committee that would require Iberdrola Renewables to compensate property owners who see drops in their land values because of the presence of wind turbines. The proposal also requires the company to buy out any property owner who objects to living near a turbine.
Link -->here<-- to the Watertown Times to read the many comments posted to this article!!!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
- DIVIDING HAMMOND editorial
EDITORIAL
HAMMOND
I do not have a date for this editorial
~~~~~~~~
The Hammond Town Board demonstrated last night why the voters of their community removed two of them from office during the November elections.
After spending the past two years dividing the citizens of Hammond into opposing camps and convincing the majority of the community that their allegience was to out of town wind companies instead of the people who elected them, they voted to pass a controversial wind law with no public notice, no public hearing and no effort to take into consideration any of the objections that their constituents have raised over the past two years.
No one could be too surprised that the town board passed the law just before they left office.
The newly elected members of the town board will just have to use their new majority to repeal the law when they take ofice in January.
By starting over again, it's possible that the new town board can hammer out a compromise ordinance that's acceptable to the majority of citizens in Hammond.
The first step, however, wil be to give the citizens of Hammond an opportunity to offer their views to a board whose membership is committed to the citizens who elected them instead of out of town multibillion dollar foreign corporations.
Hammond~ Iberdrola: RPVG Draft Is 'Unworkable'
link here to continue reading The Journal
Iberdrola: RPVG Draft Is 'Unworkable'
By MATT MCALLISTER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2010
HAMMOND - While Iberdrola Renewables says a proposed law requiring wind turbine companies to compensate property owners who see drops in their land values could force the company to drop plans for a development in Hammond, Town Supervisor Ronald W. Bertram says he supports the ordinance.
"I think that's one area they've definitely made progress," Mr. Bertram said Wednesday of the "Residential Property Value Guarantee Agreement" (RPVG) proposed by wind committee member, Richard K. Champney, a real estate lawyer with offices in Alexandria Bay and Pulaski. "Personally, I believe it's vital in protecting the citizens of Hammond."
Iberdrola: RPVG Draft Is 'Unworkable'
By MATT MCALLISTER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2010
HAMMOND - While Iberdrola Renewables says a proposed law requiring wind turbine companies to compensate property owners who see drops in their land values could force the company to drop plans for a development in Hammond, Town Supervisor Ronald W. Bertram says he supports the ordinance.
"I think that's one area they've definitely made progress," Mr. Bertram said Wednesday of the "Residential Property Value Guarantee Agreement" (RPVG) proposed by wind committee member, Richard K. Champney, a real estate lawyer with offices in Alexandria Bay and Pulaski. "Personally, I believe it's vital in protecting the citizens of Hammond."
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Lyme forms 2 wind power study committees
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times | Lyme forms 2 wind power study committees
Lyme forms 2 wind power study committees
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
CHAUMONT — The Lyme Town Council has appointed 14 people to two committees that will investigate wind issues over the next three months and produce a report by April.
Richard Nagel will chair the wind economics committee, which also will include Peter Rogers, co-chairman, Susan Warner, Guy Gosier, Scott Discount, David Henderson and Richard Freshour.
Lyme forms 2 wind power study committees
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
CHAUMONT — The Lyme Town Council has appointed 14 people to two committees that will investigate wind issues over the next three months and produce a report by April.
Richard Nagel will chair the wind economics committee, which also will include Peter Rogers, co-chairman, Susan Warner, Guy Gosier, Scott Discount, David Henderson and Richard Freshour.
Friday, December 10, 2010
*Cape Vincent Town Council appoints 2; Mingle leaving
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times | Cape Vincent Town Council appoints 2; Mingle leaving
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The Town Council on Thursday appointed Richard H. Macsherry and Patrick W. McCarthy to replace two Planning Board members who are leaving at the end of the year.
Planning Board member Andrew R. Binsley resigned following a heated meeting Nov. 10. At that meeting, wind farm opponents attempted to block Chairman Richard J. Edsall from leaving the room after the meeting was adjourned.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The Town Council on Thursday appointed Richard H. Macsherry and Patrick W. McCarthy to replace two Planning Board members who are leaving at the end of the year.
Planning Board member Andrew R. Binsley resigned following a heated meeting Nov. 10. At that meeting, wind farm opponents attempted to block Chairman Richard J. Edsall from leaving the room after the meeting was adjourned.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Corruption on Cape Vincent boards
Corruption on Cape Vincent boards
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010
The Cape Vincent Planning Board and Town Council have majorities with contracts with either British Petroleum or Acciona altogether worth around $200,000 per year for 20 years. These contracts include loyalty oaths swearing "to help in all permitting processes."
In September the Planning Board (Richard Edsall, Tom Reinbeck, and George Mingle) voted to accept the Environmental Impact Study from Acciona as complete. This study includes a totally discredited sound study from the developer Acciona, which is at odds with a study commissioned by the Town Council.
The Cape Vincent Planning Board was required by law to inform the Lyme Planning Board of all proceedings. Lyme was ignored on all accounts by the Cape Planning Board.
On Oct. 27 a special work session to discuss Criteria for Site Plan Review was shut down by protesters. Mr. Edsall, Mr. Mingle, Andrew Binsley, and Mr. Reinbeck chose to spitefullly vote and accept with no discussion all of Acciona's suggestions.
It was an illegal vote in that there is no voting in a work session, the meeting was not called to order, the criteria were written by Acciona, and no one knew it happened. It them took 45.6 seconds.
This criteria includes barring all people (except landowners) from the properties under contract with Acciona. No hunting, no snowmobiling, no walking, no bird watching. Since Acciona sets precedent, BP will also bar people from their properties. Imagine that.
Meanwhile, British Petroleum is usurping Cape Vincent's right to determine local zoning laws by doing "archeological surveys" placing turbines 1,300 feet from houses and property lines. Cape Vincent has never publicly agreed to 1,300 foot setbacks.
The Planning Board, when informed, shrugs and says "not our business." Mr. Edsall, as chairman, has denied for five years and continues to deny the public the right to speak at meetings. This is contrary to the First Amendment and the board's own bylaws.
For the last six years we have all had to learn and give board members the chance to understand and do the honorable thing (not re-signing contracts with BP or Acciona, true recusal or resignation).
However, the evidence makes it clear that the Planning Board, with the approval of the Town Council, is riding roughshod over the citizens of Cape Vincent. They should all resign.
The Planning Board meets at 7 p.m. today at the town offices and Town Council at 6 p.m. Thursday at the recreation hall. The corruption in Cape Vincent is crawling off the plate, and it seems important to keep the public informed.
Hester Chase
Cape Vincent
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010
The Cape Vincent Planning Board and Town Council have majorities with contracts with either British Petroleum or Acciona altogether worth around $200,000 per year for 20 years. These contracts include loyalty oaths swearing "to help in all permitting processes."
In September the Planning Board (Richard Edsall, Tom Reinbeck, and George Mingle) voted to accept the Environmental Impact Study from Acciona as complete. This study includes a totally discredited sound study from the developer Acciona, which is at odds with a study commissioned by the Town Council.
The Cape Vincent Planning Board was required by law to inform the Lyme Planning Board of all proceedings. Lyme was ignored on all accounts by the Cape Planning Board.
On Oct. 27 a special work session to discuss Criteria for Site Plan Review was shut down by protesters. Mr. Edsall, Mr. Mingle, Andrew Binsley, and Mr. Reinbeck chose to spitefullly vote and accept with no discussion all of Acciona's suggestions.
It was an illegal vote in that there is no voting in a work session, the meeting was not called to order, the criteria were written by Acciona, and no one knew it happened. It them took 45.6 seconds.
This criteria includes barring all people (except landowners) from the properties under contract with Acciona. No hunting, no snowmobiling, no walking, no bird watching. Since Acciona sets precedent, BP will also bar people from their properties. Imagine that.
Meanwhile, British Petroleum is usurping Cape Vincent's right to determine local zoning laws by doing "archeological surveys" placing turbines 1,300 feet from houses and property lines. Cape Vincent has never publicly agreed to 1,300 foot setbacks.
The Planning Board, when informed, shrugs and says "not our business." Mr. Edsall, as chairman, has denied for five years and continues to deny the public the right to speak at meetings. This is contrary to the First Amendment and the board's own bylaws.
For the last six years we have all had to learn and give board members the chance to understand and do the honorable thing (not re-signing contracts with BP or Acciona, true recusal or resignation).
However, the evidence makes it clear that the Planning Board, with the approval of the Town Council, is riding roughshod over the citizens of Cape Vincent. They should all resign.
The Planning Board meets at 7 p.m. today at the town offices and Town Council at 6 p.m. Thursday at the recreation hall. The corruption in Cape Vincent is crawling off the plate, and it seems important to keep the public informed.
Hester Chase
Cape Vincent
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Cape Vincent community wind project low on fuel
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times Cape Vincent community wind project low on fuel
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The vitriolic dissension over a pair of proposed industrial wind farm projects has made the going tough for a group of residents looking to gain support for a community wind project.
The rancor has hurt the community project as participants in the industrial projects are focused on supporting them, while opponents of the industrial projects increasingly don't want any wind power in the town at all.
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The vitriolic dissension over a pair of proposed industrial wind farm projects has made the going tough for a group of residents looking to gain support for a community wind project.
The rancor has hurt the community project as participants in the industrial projects are focused on supporting them, while opponents of the industrial projects increasingly don't want any wind power in the town at all.
Cape Vincent's community wind project
SED on Cape Vincent's community wind project
First published: December 07, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Below, in its entirity is a statement from Sustainable Energy Development, Ontario, on the community wind project:
Join SED and the RC&D to Discuss Community Wind
Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc. (SED), an Ontario, NY based company, works with municipalities, businesses, schools, farms and homeowners to develop high quality, community-scale wind projects. SED’s wind development services offer solutions to the diverse energy challenges facing these entities and provide a clear path to achieving project goals.
Together, SED and the Black River-St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) are investigating the potential for community wind development in the Cape Vincent area. The RC&D works with partners to provide local leadership and coordination for projects devoted to environmental conservation, community improvement, economic development and the wise use of natural resources.
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) defines community wind as projects smaller than 20 megawatts in which a local governing body passes a resolution supporting the project; members of the community are offered the opportunity to participate in an ownership interest in the project and are involved in the decision making process in its development; or the project’s local benefit is demonstrated in terms of retail power costs, benefits to the local grid, is incorporated into a micro-grid or helps to resolve remote power issues. Based on this definition, the future of community wind development in Cape Vincent lies in the hands of the people who live there.
In the fall of 2009, the RC&D secured a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Office for $99,000. The RBEG program provides grants to finance and facilitate development of small and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas of cities up to 50,000 in population with priority to applications for projects in open country, rural communities and towns of 25,000 and smaller. This grant is being used to assess the potential of a community wind project in the Cape Vincent area. SED has extensive experience in performing such analyses for wind projects since its inception in 2002. The work SED has performed to date has primarily focused on finding a suitable location for a wind measurement tower, so that wind data can be gathered and analyzed. A site prospecting map, along with a list of development guidelines, was presented at a public forum in June of 2010.
This grant program is designed to assess economic development opportunities and to form or support the formation of local enterprises that can realize these opportunities. The RC&D is helping the community create this group of local citizens. SED’s involvement is to provide professional wind energy expertise to assess the technical and economic aspects of a community scale wind project.
This is a community wind model that places local residents in the center of the decision making and encourages local ownership. This community group has yet to be formed, but now is the time to take the first step.
First published: December 07, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Below, in its entirity is a statement from Sustainable Energy Development, Ontario, on the community wind project:
Join SED and the RC&D to Discuss Community Wind
Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc. (SED), an Ontario, NY based company, works with municipalities, businesses, schools, farms and homeowners to develop high quality, community-scale wind projects. SED’s wind development services offer solutions to the diverse energy challenges facing these entities and provide a clear path to achieving project goals.
Together, SED and the Black River-St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) are investigating the potential for community wind development in the Cape Vincent area. The RC&D works with partners to provide local leadership and coordination for projects devoted to environmental conservation, community improvement, economic development and the wise use of natural resources.
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) defines community wind as projects smaller than 20 megawatts in which a local governing body passes a resolution supporting the project; members of the community are offered the opportunity to participate in an ownership interest in the project and are involved in the decision making process in its development; or the project’s local benefit is demonstrated in terms of retail power costs, benefits to the local grid, is incorporated into a micro-grid or helps to resolve remote power issues. Based on this definition, the future of community wind development in Cape Vincent lies in the hands of the people who live there.
In the fall of 2009, the RC&D secured a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Office for $99,000. The RBEG program provides grants to finance and facilitate development of small and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas of cities up to 50,000 in population with priority to applications for projects in open country, rural communities and towns of 25,000 and smaller. This grant is being used to assess the potential of a community wind project in the Cape Vincent area. SED has extensive experience in performing such analyses for wind projects since its inception in 2002. The work SED has performed to date has primarily focused on finding a suitable location for a wind measurement tower, so that wind data can be gathered and analyzed. A site prospecting map, along with a list of development guidelines, was presented at a public forum in June of 2010.
This grant program is designed to assess economic development opportunities and to form or support the formation of local enterprises that can realize these opportunities. The RC&D is helping the community create this group of local citizens. SED’s involvement is to provide professional wind energy expertise to assess the technical and economic aspects of a community scale wind project.
This is a community wind model that places local residents in the center of the decision making and encourages local ownership. This community group has yet to be formed, but now is the time to take the first step.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Uniform tax-exempt policy gets no changes
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times | Uniform tax-exempt policy gets no changes
Uniform tax-exempt policy gets no changes
JEFFERSON PILOTS: Wind projects must negotiate individually
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2010
After years of review and debate, Jefferson County's uniform tax-exempt policy won't change.
Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency's board of directors voted on the policy, which governs payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs, during Thursday's meeting.
Uniform tax-exempt policy gets no changes
JEFFERSON PILOTS: Wind projects must negotiate individually
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2010
After years of review and debate, Jefferson County's uniform tax-exempt policy won't change.
Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency's board of directors voted on the policy, which governs payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs, during Thursday's meeting.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Burto among many who switched parties
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times | Burto among many who switched parties
ALLEGIANCES SHIFT: 647 changed affiliation in Jefferson County over the last year; some theories offered
By JUDE SEYMOUR
TIMES STAFF WRITER
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2010
Scott M. Burto, who actively campaigned for Republicans for a decade, raised eyebrows earlier this year when he sought Democratic support while considering a state Assembly bid. Now the West Carthage mayor has made his new allegiance official.
Mr. Burto and his wife, Nicole R., switched their party affiliations from Republican to Democrat after the Nov. 2 general election. The couple was among 647 registered voters who changed their minds in the last year about where their political allegiances lie, according to the Jefferson County Board of Elections.
ALLEGIANCES SHIFT: 647 changed affiliation in Jefferson County over the last year; some theories offered
By JUDE SEYMOUR
TIMES STAFF WRITER
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2010
Scott M. Burto, who actively campaigned for Republicans for a decade, raised eyebrows earlier this year when he sought Democratic support while considering a state Assembly bid. Now the West Carthage mayor has made his new allegiance official.
Mr. Burto and his wife, Nicole R., switched their party affiliations from Republican to Democrat after the Nov. 2 general election. The couple was among 647 registered voters who changed their minds in the last year about where their political allegiances lie, according to the Jefferson County Board of Elections.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Where should wind money be spent?
link here to continue reading Where should wind money be spent?
SPECIFIC PROJECTS: Lewis County officials opt to earmark revenue instead of lumping it into its general fund
By STEVE VIRKLER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2010
LOWVILLE — Moving forward, Lewis County leaders are looking to take the money the county brings in from wind farms and put it toward specific projects — not just toss it into its general fund to pay for everyday expenses.
Most of the county share of Maple Ridge Wind Farm's annual payment-in-lieu-of-taxes— now about $2.4 million — should be used "outside of the everyday spending and give the taxpayers something to see for these revenues," said Legislature Chairman Jack T. Bush, R-Brantingham.
SPECIFIC PROJECTS: Lewis County officials opt to earmark revenue instead of lumping it into its general fund
By STEVE VIRKLER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2010
LOWVILLE — Moving forward, Lewis County leaders are looking to take the money the county brings in from wind farms and put it toward specific projects — not just toss it into its general fund to pay for everyday expenses.
Most of the county share of Maple Ridge Wind Farm's annual payment-in-lieu-of-taxes— now about $2.4 million — should be used "outside of the everyday spending and give the taxpayers something to see for these revenues," said Legislature Chairman Jack T. Bush, R-Brantingham.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Cape Vincent residents demand Edsall's ouster
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times Cape Vincent residents demand Edsall's ouster
CONFLICT ALLEGED: Planning Board head has deals with BP
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Several town residents frustrated with Planning Board Chairman Richard J. Edsall demanded his resignation at a well-attended Town Council meeting Thursday night.
Hester M. Chase, founder of the St. Lawrence River Public Power Association and one of the nearly 200 people who attended the meeting at the Cape Vincent Recreation Park, said Mr. Edsall was not fit to represent the Planning Board because, among other reasons, he has financial contracts with BP Alternative Energy.
CONFLICT ALLEGED: Planning Board head has deals with BP
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Several town residents frustrated with Planning Board Chairman Richard J. Edsall demanded his resignation at a well-attended Town Council meeting Thursday night.
Hester M. Chase, founder of the St. Lawrence River Public Power Association and one of the nearly 200 people who attended the meeting at the Cape Vincent Recreation Park, said Mr. Edsall was not fit to represent the Planning Board because, among other reasons, he has financial contracts with BP Alternative Energy.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Citizens Call for Planning Board Chairman Edsalls Removal
Cape Vincent Town Board meetings
Nov 18, 2010 6:00 PM Recreation Park Building
There was a public outcry at tonight’s Town Board meeting requesting that the Town board take action and remove Richard Edsall as Cape Vincent Planning Board Chairman.
Town Supervisor Urban Hirschey considered very carefully what the citizens had to say.
Mr. Hirschey stated that it was not within the scope of the board’s authority to remove Edsall as Planning Board chairman, However Supervisor Hirschey did make a motion for Edsall to follow the Planning Board by-laws and he mentioned that Edsall should not make things up as he goes along additionally he stated that Planning Board Chairman Edsall should recuse himself from all wind issues.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Brooks Bragdon, then Councilman Donny Mason began defending Chairman Edsalls behavior.
Blaming Edsalls actions on websites cameras and half-truths.
The motion was voted down three to two~
Cape Vincent citizen Donna Essegian addresses the Cape Vincent Town Board ~
Nov 18, 2010 6:00 PM Recreation Park Building
There was a public outcry at tonight’s Town Board meeting requesting that the Town board take action and remove Richard Edsall as Cape Vincent Planning Board Chairman.
Town Supervisor Urban Hirschey considered very carefully what the citizens had to say.
Mr. Hirschey stated that it was not within the scope of the board’s authority to remove Edsall as Planning Board chairman, However Supervisor Hirschey did make a motion for Edsall to follow the Planning Board by-laws and he mentioned that Edsall should not make things up as he goes along additionally he stated that Planning Board Chairman Edsall should recuse himself from all wind issues.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Brooks Bragdon, then Councilman Donny Mason began defending Chairman Edsalls behavior.
Blaming Edsalls actions on websites cameras and half-truths.
The motion was voted down three to two~
Cape Vincent citizen Donna Essegian addresses the Cape Vincent Town Board ~
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Investigation of ex-Cape clerk now in hands of state officials
link here to continue reading Investigation of ex-Cape clerk now in hands of state officials
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The state attorney general's office has taken over the investigation of former Town Clerk Jeri Ann Mason.
Ms. Mason, who was elected to office last November, resigned abruptly Sept. 14 after discrepancies were found in the town's finances.
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The state attorney general's office has taken over the investigation of former Town Clerk Jeri Ann Mason.
Ms. Mason, who was elected to office last November, resigned abruptly Sept. 14 after discrepancies were found in the town's finances.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Tempers flare at meeting in Cape
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times | Tempers flare at meeting in Cape
Tempers flare at meeting in Cape
PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION: Opponent of wind claims board has acted illegally
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — A Planning Board meeting devolved into physical confrontation between an opponent of industrial wind power projects in the town and Chairman Richard J. Edsall.
At the beginning of the meeting Wednesday night, Mr. Edsall asked for approval of the board's minutes from a previous meeting.
Tempers flare at meeting in Cape
PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION: Opponent of wind claims board has acted illegally
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — A Planning Board meeting devolved into physical confrontation between an opponent of industrial wind power projects in the town and Chairman Richard J. Edsall.
At the beginning of the meeting Wednesday night, Mr. Edsall asked for approval of the board's minutes from a previous meeting.
Cape Vincent supervisor adds pay raise to budget
link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times | Cape Vincent supervisor adds pay raise to budget
Cape Vincent supervisor adds pay raise to budget
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey is giving himself a 14.1 percent raise next year, under the town's preliminary 2011 budget, to bring his salary up to what his predecessor was making before being voted out of office in 2009.
However, there is an apparent discrepancy between what Mr. Hirschey believes former Supervisor Thomas K. Rienbeck made that year and Mr. Rienbeck's budgeted 2009 salary.
Cape Vincent supervisor adds pay raise to budget
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey is giving himself a 14.1 percent raise next year, under the town's preliminary 2011 budget, to bring his salary up to what his predecessor was making before being voted out of office in 2009.
However, there is an apparent discrepancy between what Mr. Hirschey believes former Supervisor Thomas K. Rienbeck made that year and Mr. Rienbeck's budgeted 2009 salary.
Friday, November 5, 2010
JCIDA postpones adopting policy
5,November 2010
Copyright, 2010, Johnson Newspaper Corporation
JCIDA postpones adopting policy PILOT PROCEDURE: Board wants more time to consider extensive public input
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010
The Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency held off approving a uniform tax-exempt policy at its meeting Thursday morning.
The policy, which outlines when and what payments in lieu of taxes may be used by the agency, generated some comments from the public at a hearing Wednesday night and letters from municipalities.
Link here to continue reading
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wind power dominates JCIDA tax policy hearing
Link here to continue reading Wind power dominates JCIDA tax policy hearing
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2010
Wind power development became the focus of a public hearing on the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency's proposed uniform tax exempt policy.
About 40 members of the public attended the hearing. Tenpeople spoke during the hour-long hearing at Jefferson Community College, eight of whom spoke on wind power — generally opposing it.
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2010
Wind power development became the focus of a public hearing on the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency's proposed uniform tax exempt policy.
About 40 members of the public attended the hearing. Tenpeople spoke during the hour-long hearing at Jefferson Community College, eight of whom spoke on wind power — generally opposing it.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Cape Vincent ~ Wind farm site plan expected in early '11
Link here to continue reading Wind farm site plan expected in early '11
'SOME WORK TO DO': Developer gathering data for submission
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — St. Lawrence Wind Farm developer Acciona Wind Energy USA is predicting an early 2011 submission of the site plan application for the project.
"We've got some work to do," said Timothy Q. Conboy, project manager for Acciona. "It would be January at the earliest, or February, before we'd be ready." The developer first submitted a plan for the wind power project in November 2006, which triggered the state environmental quality review process. That process ended when the town Planning Board approved the final environmental impact statement and adopted findings Sept. 15.
and gather required state and federal permits for the turbines, access roads, electrical collection system and transmission line.
'SOME WORK TO DO': Developer gathering data for submission
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — St. Lawrence Wind Farm developer Acciona Wind Energy USA is predicting an early 2011 submission of the site plan application for the project.
"We've got some work to do," said Timothy Q. Conboy, project manager for Acciona. "It would be January at the earliest, or February, before we'd be ready." The developer first submitted a plan for the wind power project in November 2006, which triggered the state environmental quality review process. That process ended when the town Planning Board approved the final environmental impact statement and adopted findings Sept. 15.
and gather required state and federal permits for the turbines, access roads, electrical collection system and transmission line.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Galloo ~ Wind farm routes debated
FEASIBILITY ISSUE:
Link here to continue reading Both land and water lines being studied by developers, applicants
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010
Galloo Island Wind Farm developer Upstate NY Power Corp. will stall looking at possible land-based transmission line routes while it examines an underwater route.
The developer told the state Public Service Commission that an underwater route requires an up-front buyer for the electricity from the project.
Link here to continue reading Both land and water lines being studied by developers, applicants
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010
Galloo Island Wind Farm developer Upstate NY Power Corp. will stall looking at possible land-based transmission line routes while it examines an underwater route.
The developer told the state Public Service Commission that an underwater route requires an up-front buyer for the electricity from the project.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Changes to PILOT policy suggested
Link here to continue reading Changes to PILOT policy suggested
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010
Jefferson County legislators had a few suggestions for changes to the proposed uniform tax-exempt policy from the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency.The Finance and Rules Committee held a special meeting Tuesday night to discuss the measure.
It outlines what standard payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements are and when the agency will use them. In the past, if a development was eligible for one of the allowed standard PILOTs, the agency board could avoid going to each taxing jurisdiction for approval. But under the proposed policy, the agency must get approval from all jurisdictions for every PILOT and its distribution.
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010
Jefferson County legislators had a few suggestions for changes to the proposed uniform tax-exempt policy from the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency.The Finance and Rules Committee held a special meeting Tuesday night to discuss the measure.
It outlines what standard payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements are and when the agency will use them. In the past, if a development was eligible for one of the allowed standard PILOTs, the agency board could avoid going to each taxing jurisdiction for approval. But under the proposed policy, the agency must get approval from all jurisdictions for every PILOT and its distribution.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Galloo Island Wind Farm underwater route to be investigated
Link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times Galloo Island Wind Farm underwater route to be investigated
NANCY MADSEN / TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010
Galloo Island Wind Farm developer Upstate NY Power Corp told the Public Service Commission that an underwater route requires an up-front buyer for the electricity from the project.
In a letter (PDF format) from Thursday following up from an Oct. 13 conference call, attorney Robert W. Burgdorf, Nixon Peabody, Buffalo, said the sub-aquatic route for a line from Galloo Island to a substation in the town of Scriba requires more investigation into engineering, regulatory, financing and technical considerations.
NANCY MADSEN / TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010
Galloo Island Wind Farm developer Upstate NY Power Corp told the Public Service Commission that an underwater route requires an up-front buyer for the electricity from the project.
In a letter (PDF format) from Thursday following up from an Oct. 13 conference call, attorney Robert W. Burgdorf, Nixon Peabody, Buffalo, said the sub-aquatic route for a line from Galloo Island to a substation in the town of Scriba requires more investigation into engineering, regulatory, financing and technical considerations.
Cape Planning Board should reject site plan
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010
It would be a great courtesy, at the very least, to the community of Cape Vincent and beyond if the Planning Board chairman would clarify some comments from the Oct. 13 meeting at the special meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the recreation hall in Cape Vincent.
The meeting is to prepare to accept the Site Plan Review Application from Acciona for their wind project. Once the permit is submitted the Planing Board must be finished with site plan review within 124 days.
The Planning Board said on Oct. 13 that:
■ There will be two public hearings to site 51 turbines and miles of access roads and transmission lines.
■ The only people allowed to speak will be people living within 1/2 mile of the project.
■ A person from Tibbetts Point Lighthouse area would not be allowed to comment.
■ Setbacks can be based on 11/2 times the height of the turbine.
■ Noise complaint policy will be the only method of protecting the community from unexpected noise.
■ A committee will be formed (no naysayers allowed) to decide on setbacks and a noise complaint policy.
■ The process will be guaranteed done in six months.
Cape Vincent has no agreement of any kind on setbacks, no agreed-on ambient background sound levels and no discussion of noise complaint policy in place of a scientifically established ambient sound level. The Planning Board has refused to read the Economic Wind Report commissioned by the supervisor dealing with property values. It is reckless and irresponsible to enter Site Plan Review, a legally timed process, without first coming to some consensus on setbacks and ambient sound levels.
Cape Vincent needs to have an ambient sound study done by Cavenaugh and Tocci as voted for by the Planning Board and unconflicted members of the town board. A committee of all different sides needs to use that study to come up with setbacks based on science. The committee's recommendations should go to a public vote.
It is not democratically nor morally correct to go into Site Plan Review at this time. I hope that you will use the meeting on the 27th to clarify what the Site Plan Review process is, why public comment will be censored, what the responsibilities and character of the proposed committee are, what sort of setbacks the board is already considering.
I also trust you will not accept the application from Acciona.
Hester Chase
Cape Vincent
Monday, October 25, 2010
Hammond wind panel told TV reception biggest gripe
Link here to continue reading Hammond wind panel told TV reception biggest gripe
MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2010
HAMMOND — During a recent tour of Iberdrola's 195-turbine Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County, the Hammond Wind Committee learned that the biggest source of complaints was poor television reception.
Iberdrola spokeswoman Jenny L. Burke said that the problem is ongoing and that the company is working with broadcasters to rectify the issue.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2010
HAMMOND — During a recent tour of Iberdrola's 195-turbine Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County, the Hammond Wind Committee learned that the biggest source of complaints was poor television reception.
Iberdrola spokeswoman Jenny L. Burke said that the problem is ongoing and that the company is working with broadcasters to rectify the issue.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Aubertine's loyalties with special interests ~ Letter to the Editor
Aubertine's loyalties with special interests
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2010
Our present state senator, Darrel Aubertine, is quick to point out he saved hundreds of jobs in the north country. The only visible jobs he created are those of friends from Albany and New York City hired to knock on doors and attend campaign rallies. Those jobs will end Nov. 2 and do nothing for people living in the north country. Jobs are not the only misleading fact espoused by the senator.
Fact: Our state senator has signed a lease agreement with a wind developer. A clause contained in that agreement states, "Owner shall assist and fully cooperate with NYW (Acciona) at no-out-of pocket expense to owner, in complying with or obtaining any land-use permits, environmental studies, impact reviews, or any other approvals required for the financing, construction, installation, replacement, relocation, maintenance, operation or removal of wind power facilities, including execution of applications for such approval." Acciona has since received Aubertine's full cooperation and assistance. As chairman of the Senate Energy Committee; he renamed the north country Energy Valley, perhaps on their behalf. Once he signed that contract, his loyalties shifted from citizens he was elected to represent to special interests of a foreign corporation developing a wind project in his hometown.
Fact: Aubertine sent a letter to the Cape Vincent town board saying, even though they have signed contracts that benefited them financially, they had a responsibility to vote on wind development.
Fact: Time and again, Aubertine has put his and developers' interests over those of constituents. He willingly transferred his loyalties by signing an agreement to give full cooperation and assistance to a wind developer.
As a constituent, I can't find one reason to continue electing the state senator. He claims to be "one of us," but in truth, he is not. He is an Albany wheeler-dealer who has sold out his hometown to special interests who are lining the pockets of friends and family.
Patty Ritchie's candidacy is a refreshing breath of ethics, communication and commitment to her constituents. She repeatedly met with citizens in Cape Vincent and surrounding communities. I have no doubt that strong work ethic and presence will continue. I am confident Patty Ritchie will never trade her loyalty in a breach of ethics.
I live in Cape Vincent, but I won't be voting for the incumbent Cape senator. I will proudly cast my vote for Patty Ritchie and do so with great optimism that my choice will help elect a true public servant. I urge you to do the same.
Noel Bonvouloir
Cape Vincent
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2010
Our present state senator, Darrel Aubertine, is quick to point out he saved hundreds of jobs in the north country. The only visible jobs he created are those of friends from Albany and New York City hired to knock on doors and attend campaign rallies. Those jobs will end Nov. 2 and do nothing for people living in the north country. Jobs are not the only misleading fact espoused by the senator.
Fact: Our state senator has signed a lease agreement with a wind developer. A clause contained in that agreement states, "Owner shall assist and fully cooperate with NYW (Acciona) at no-out-of pocket expense to owner, in complying with or obtaining any land-use permits, environmental studies, impact reviews, or any other approvals required for the financing, construction, installation, replacement, relocation, maintenance, operation or removal of wind power facilities, including execution of applications for such approval." Acciona has since received Aubertine's full cooperation and assistance. As chairman of the Senate Energy Committee; he renamed the north country Energy Valley, perhaps on their behalf. Once he signed that contract, his loyalties shifted from citizens he was elected to represent to special interests of a foreign corporation developing a wind project in his hometown.
Fact: Aubertine sent a letter to the Cape Vincent town board saying, even though they have signed contracts that benefited them financially, they had a responsibility to vote on wind development.
Fact: Time and again, Aubertine has put his and developers' interests over those of constituents. He willingly transferred his loyalties by signing an agreement to give full cooperation and assistance to a wind developer.
As a constituent, I can't find one reason to continue electing the state senator. He claims to be "one of us," but in truth, he is not. He is an Albany wheeler-dealer who has sold out his hometown to special interests who are lining the pockets of friends and family.
Patty Ritchie's candidacy is a refreshing breath of ethics, communication and commitment to her constituents. She repeatedly met with citizens in Cape Vincent and surrounding communities. I have no doubt that strong work ethic and presence will continue. I am confident Patty Ritchie will never trade her loyalty in a breach of ethics.
I live in Cape Vincent, but I won't be voting for the incumbent Cape senator. I will proudly cast my vote for Patty Ritchie and do so with great optimism that my choice will help elect a true public servant. I urge you to do the same.
Noel Bonvouloir
Cape Vincent
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Cape Vincent Economic Panel: spread wind's rewards
Link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times Panel: spread wind's rewards
MAKE UP FOR LOSSES: Cape Vincent team says property value, tourism are at risk
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The town's wind economics committee, finding risks and rewards of wind farm development, has offered bold recommendations to spread rewards around and compensate nonparticipating landowners for any losses they incur.
The committee, which released its report Oct. 7, saw risks to property values, school district aid and tourism. On the other hand, wind power projects would have payments for landowners and for taxing jurisdictions through payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements.
ON THE NET
Cape Vincent Wind Economic Impact Committee report:
www.townofcapevincent.com/windcommittee.html
MAKE UP FOR LOSSES: Cape Vincent team says property value, tourism are at risk
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The town's wind economics committee, finding risks and rewards of wind farm development, has offered bold recommendations to spread rewards around and compensate nonparticipating landowners for any losses they incur.
The committee, which released its report Oct. 7, saw risks to property values, school district aid and tourism. On the other hand, wind power projects would have payments for landowners and for taxing jurisdictions through payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements.
ON THE NET
Cape Vincent Wind Economic Impact Committee report:
www.townofcapevincent.com/windcommittee.html
Friday, October 15, 2010
Lyme Council reacts to letters on wind
Link here to continue reading Watertown Daily Times | Council reacts to letters on wind
LYME CONFLICT: Town says Planning Board overstepped itself; role will be clarified
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
CHAUMONT — The Lyme Town Council reined in the Planning Board a little bit Wednesday night. The Lyme Planning Board had sent two letters to the Cape Vincent Planning Board, calling for the final environmental impact statement for the proposed St. Lawrence Wind Farm to be knocked down.
The Cape Vincent board approved the statement Sept. 15, but the Lyme board sent two letters to the Cape Vincent board, one Aug. 17 and one Tuesday, outlining possible gaps in the statement.
LYME CONFLICT: Town says Planning Board overstepped itself; role will be clarified
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
CHAUMONT — The Lyme Town Council reined in the Planning Board a little bit Wednesday night. The Lyme Planning Board had sent two letters to the Cape Vincent Planning Board, calling for the final environmental impact statement for the proposed St. Lawrence Wind Farm to be knocked down.
The Cape Vincent board approved the statement Sept. 15, but the Lyme board sent two letters to the Cape Vincent board, one Aug. 17 and one Tuesday, outlining possible gaps in the statement.
Proposal for noise study fizzles in Cape
Link here to continue reading Proposal for noise study fizzles in Cape
RESOLUTION FAILS TWICE:
2 for, 1 against idea to help wind-power decision; 2 recuse selves
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey floated the idea not once, but twice, for a townwide sound study to help the town Planning Board consider two proposed wind power projects during Thursday's Town Council meeting — to no avail.
The idea failed to gain a majority of the council's support both times, with Mr. Hirschey and Councilman Brooks J. Bragdon voting for the resolution, while Councilman Mickey W. Orvis opposed it. Councilmen Marty T. Mason and Donald J. Mason recused themselves.
RESOLUTION FAILS TWICE:
2 for, 1 against idea to help wind-power decision; 2 recuse selves
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey floated the idea not once, but twice, for a townwide sound study to help the town Planning Board consider two proposed wind power projects during Thursday's Town Council meeting — to no avail.
The idea failed to gain a majority of the council's support both times, with Mr. Hirschey and Councilman Brooks J. Bragdon voting for the resolution, while Councilman Mickey W. Orvis opposed it. Councilmen Marty T. Mason and Donald J. Mason recused themselves.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Critics Raise Eyebrows Over Plowing at Cape Vincent Wind Sites
Study scuffle: Critics raise eyebrows over plowing at Cape Vincent wind sites
By Nancy Madsen Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (New York)
Date: Thursday, October 14 2010
Oct. 14--CAPE VINCENT -- One man's archaeological study is another man's construction site prep work.
The sites for wind turbines, access roads and an electrical substation in the proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm are being plowed up, action that wind power opponents say pre-empts the environmental review process, while the developer says it is part of that process.
"In the areas where we have open fields, we're plowing them," said James H. Madden, project manager for developer BP Alternative Energy. "We know where the facility areas are and as part of the archaeological study, we have the option of doing shovel tests or, where previously farmed, plowing, to make it easier to do the work."
By Nancy Madsen Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (New York)
Date: Thursday, October 14 2010
Oct. 14--CAPE VINCENT -- One man's archaeological study is another man's construction site prep work.
The sites for wind turbines, access roads and an electrical substation in the proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm are being plowed up, action that wind power opponents say pre-empts the environmental review process, while the developer says it is part of that process.
"In the areas where we have open fields, we're plowing them," said James H. Madden, project manager for developer BP Alternative Energy. "We know where the facility areas are and as part of the archaeological study, we have the option of doing shovel tests or, where previously farmed, plowing, to make it easier to do the work."
Lyme extends wind moratorium
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010
CHAUMONT — The town of Lyme's moratorium on wind power development will last another year.
The Town Council voted 3-1 Wednesday night to extend the moratorium, which includes personal wind turbines and all ancillary structures. Supervisor Scott G. Aubertine, Councilman Warren A. Johnson and Councilwoman Anne M. "Boo" Harris supported it, while Councilman Donald R. Bourquin opposed it.
Lyme extends wind moratorium
Lyme extends wind moratorium
ONE MORE YEAR: Proponents of turbines say town has taken too long making law
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010
CHAUMONT — The town of Lyme's moratorium on wind power development will last another year.
The Town Council voted 3-1 Wednesday night to extend the moratorium, which includes personal wind turbines and all ancillary structures. Supervisor Scott G. Aubertine, Councilman Warren A. Johnson and Councilwoman Anne M. "Boo" Harris supported it, while Councilman Donald R. Bourquin opposed it.
The council recognized 26 letters; all but one supported extending the moratorium to Oct. 12, 2011. More than 20 people made comments at the meeting; about 15 voiced support for the moratorium.
ONE MORE YEAR: Proponents of turbines say town has taken too long making law
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010
CHAUMONT — The town of Lyme's moratorium on wind power development will last another year.
The Town Council voted 3-1 Wednesday night to extend the moratorium, which includes personal wind turbines and all ancillary structures. Supervisor Scott G. Aubertine, Councilman Warren A. Johnson and Councilwoman Anne M. "Boo" Harris supported it, while Councilman Donald R. Bourquin opposed it.
The council recognized 26 letters; all but one supported extending the moratorium to Oct. 12, 2011. More than 20 people made comments at the meeting; about 15 voiced support for the moratorium.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Hammond wind panel visits Maple Ridge facility
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2010
HAMMOND — The Hammond Wind Committee visited Iberdrola's Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County on Saturday to get a first-hand look at an industrial wind project.
A report on the tour will be made at the next wind committee meeting, to be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 in the village hall.
HAMMOND — The Hammond Wind Committee visited Iberdrola's Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County on Saturday to get a first-hand look at an industrial wind project.
A report on the tour will be made at the next wind committee meeting, to be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 in the village hall.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Fort Drum wary of wind near Wheeler-Sack Airfield
Fort Drum wary of wind near Wheeler-Sack Airfield
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010
FORT DRUM — Wind power developers looking at Jefferson County don't have a set distance to avoid the Army installation.
"It would be something we would look at on a case-by-case basis," Fort Drum spokeswoman Julie A. Cupernall said.
About a month ago, the New York Times published a story detailing the delays or abandonment of 9,000 megawatts of proposed wind projects in the country because of concerns of radar interference raised by the military or the Federal Aviation Administration. Turbines can look like airplanes on radar or cause blackout zones where planes disappear, the article said.
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010
FORT DRUM — Wind power developers looking at Jefferson County don't have a set distance to avoid the Army installation.
"It would be something we would look at on a case-by-case basis," Fort Drum spokeswoman Julie A. Cupernall said.
About a month ago, the New York Times published a story detailing the delays or abandonment of 9,000 megawatts of proposed wind projects in the country because of concerns of radar interference raised by the military or the Federal Aviation Administration. Turbines can look like airplanes on radar or cause blackout zones where planes disappear, the article said.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Planners OK final impact statement
Planners OK final impact statement
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The town Planning Board approved St. Lawrence Wind Farm's final environmental impact statement, finding that noise levels in the proposed wind farm are unlikely to exceed state thresholds and accepting the developer's proposal for a noise complaint resolution plan.
The Planning Board approved the impact statement and its own findings Sept. 15. Those actions complete the environmental review process under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The town Planning Board approved St. Lawrence Wind Farm's final environmental impact statement, finding that noise levels in the proposed wind farm are unlikely to exceed state thresholds and accepting the developer's proposal for a noise complaint resolution plan.
The Planning Board approved the impact statement and its own findings Sept. 15. Those actions complete the environmental review process under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
CEO of firm invested in Maple Ridge wary about winds of political change
Watertown Daily Times CEO of firm invested in Maple Ridge wary about winds of political change
CEO of firm invested in Maple Ridge wary about winds of political change
SPANISH UTILITY: Iberdrola chief says new projects need certainty on U.S. aid
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010
BOSTON — Spanish power utility Iberdrola SA is investing $10 billion in wind power and energy-related projects across the U.S. over the next few years, but political and regulatory uncertainties could stall future investments, the company's chairman and chief executive officer said Tuesday.
Ignacio Galan, who is in New England for the groundbreaking of a major power grid upgrade in Maine, said wind energy projects have created thousands of jobs in the U.S., and renewable-energy companies will continue making long-term investments if they get stability from regulators.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
City Council irked at PILOT policy
City Council irked at PILOT policy
JCIDA MAKES CHANGES: Lawmakers fear they'll lose tax money without having any say in agreements
By ROBERT BRAUCHLE
& NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITERS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
The Watertown City Council is burning after learning the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency is tinkering with its tax-exemption policy.
The policy, which governs payment-in-lieu-of-tax agreements, creates tax breaks for new or expanding manufacturing, renewable energy and certain retail businesses. Under the policy proposal, property tax breaks can reach up to 20 years, extended from 15, and usually have a flat or increasing amount of payments to the taxing jurisdictions instead of full-rate property tax payments.
JCIDA MAKES CHANGES: Lawmakers fear they'll lose tax money without having any say in agreements
By ROBERT BRAUCHLE
& NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITERS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
The Watertown City Council is burning after learning the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency is tinkering with its tax-exemption policy.
The policy, which governs payment-in-lieu-of-tax agreements, creates tax breaks for new or expanding manufacturing, renewable energy and certain retail businesses. Under the policy proposal, property tax breaks can reach up to 20 years, extended from 15, and usually have a flat or increasing amount of payments to the taxing jurisdictions instead of full-rate property tax payments.
JCIDA lifts moratorium on wind plans
JCIDA lifts moratorium on wind plans
'EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF WORK': Agency will keep preparing uniform tax-exempt policy at the same time
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
Even as the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency prepares for a public hearing on a proposed new uniform tax-exempt policy, the agency again will accept applications for tax breaks from wind power developers.
The agency's board, meeting Thursday morning, agreed to lift its moratorium on applications from developers.
'EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF WORK': Agency will keep preparing uniform tax-exempt policy at the same time
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
Even as the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency prepares for a public hearing on a proposed new uniform tax-exempt policy, the agency again will accept applications for tax breaks from wind power developers.
The agency's board, meeting Thursday morning, agreed to lift its moratorium on applications from developers.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Hammond Wind Panel striving to finish its work
Panel striving to finish its work
WIND COMMITTEE: Hammond group schedules meetings, plans visits to projects
By MATT MCALLISTER
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010
HAMMOND — With the clock ticking and eight meetings slated between now and the end of December, the town Wind Committee has set up a schedule to finish its recommendations on the wind ordinance.
Meeting last week, the committee established meeting dates of Mondays, Oct. 4 and 18, Nov. 1, 15 and 29 and Dec. 6 and 20 to complete its task. All meetings are at 7 p.m. at the village hall.
WIND COMMITTEE: Hammond group schedules meetings, plans visits to projects
By MATT MCALLISTER
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010
HAMMOND — With the clock ticking and eight meetings slated between now and the end of December, the town Wind Committee has set up a schedule to finish its recommendations on the wind ordinance.
Meeting last week, the committee established meeting dates of Mondays, Oct. 4 and 18, Nov. 1, 15 and 29 and Dec. 6 and 20 to complete its task. All meetings are at 7 p.m. at the village hall.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
'Circus' ad slights the good in Cape Letter
Watertown Daily Times 'Circus' ad slights the good in Cape
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
How many people read the advertisement in the Watertown Daily Times that invited the citizens of Cape Vincent to the circus being held at the town of Cape Vincent Recreation Park depicting Planning Board Chairman Richard Edsall as the ringmaster and making his board members jump through his hoops? How low can you go? Is this supposed to help Cape Vincent?
It would be my suggestion that the people who want to place advertisements do it in a constructive way. They should have invited the people to attend the chamber of commerce dinner that was being held the same evening. The local Lions Club was recognized for its achievements and dedication to the people of Cape Vincent. Kristi Kennedy was named Person of the Year for her efforts in writing grants that have and will continue to have great impact on the beauty of the village of Cape Vincent.
That is what good people do.
The acceptance of this advertisement in the Times certainly doesn't add any stature to the paper.
James L. Wiley
Cape Vincent
The add in Question~
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
How many people read the advertisement in the Watertown Daily Times that invited the citizens of Cape Vincent to the circus being held at the town of Cape Vincent Recreation Park depicting Planning Board Chairman Richard Edsall as the ringmaster and making his board members jump through his hoops? How low can you go? Is this supposed to help Cape Vincent?
It would be my suggestion that the people who want to place advertisements do it in a constructive way. They should have invited the people to attend the chamber of commerce dinner that was being held the same evening. The local Lions Club was recognized for its achievements and dedication to the people of Cape Vincent. Kristi Kennedy was named Person of the Year for her efforts in writing grants that have and will continue to have great impact on the beauty of the village of Cape Vincent.
That is what good people do.
The acceptance of this advertisement in the Times certainly doesn't add any stature to the paper.
James L. Wiley
Cape Vincent
The add in Question~
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Hammond ~ Iberdrola lists wind conflicts
Iberdrola lists wind conflicts
ETHICS DISCLOSURE: In Hammond, Town Councilman Pitcher has lease agreement, doesn't vote on topic
By STEVE VIRKLER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
While several past and current government officials are receiving lease payments — some in excess of $1 million — from the Maple Ridge Wind Farm, the most recent disclosure by Iberdrola Renewables Inc. indicates that only one of its ongoing north country wind projects — Stone Church in Hammond — includes a direct potential conflict.
According to a disclosure filed by the wind company last month, Hammond Town Councilman James C. Pitcher has a lease agreement that could be worth $60,000 to $100,000. He has recused himself from recent wind votes.
ON THE NET
Iberdrola Renewables Inc. dis
closure: www.iberdrolarenew
ables.us/nydisclosure
ETHICS DISCLOSURE: In Hammond, Town Councilman Pitcher has lease agreement, doesn't vote on topic
By STEVE VIRKLER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
While several past and current government officials are receiving lease payments — some in excess of $1 million — from the Maple Ridge Wind Farm, the most recent disclosure by Iberdrola Renewables Inc. indicates that only one of its ongoing north country wind projects — Stone Church in Hammond — includes a direct potential conflict.
According to a disclosure filed by the wind company last month, Hammond Town Councilman James C. Pitcher has a lease agreement that could be worth $60,000 to $100,000. He has recused himself from recent wind votes.
ON THE NET
Iberdrola Renewables Inc. dis
closure: www.iberdrolarenew
ables.us/nydisclosure
Monday, September 20, 2010
'MET' TOWER GOES UP IN CAPE
Watertown Daily Times 'MET' TOWER GOES UP IN CAPE
WIND DATA: Tower takes step toward community project
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — A new meteorological tower put up here last week will share real-time wind-speed data online.
St. Lawrence River Public Power Association, which is behind an effort for a community-owned wind-power project, put the tower up in a field on founder Hester M. Chase's farm, on Bedford Corners Road.
"We need the community to actively talk about how large a project it wants, where it wants a project and how it wants the revenue to come back to the community," said Loren W. Pruskowski, vice president of Sustainable Energy Development, which helps community wind projects. "We're attempting to build that cooperation."
ON THE NET
Black River-St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Council: ww.brslrcd.org
WIND DATA: Tower takes step toward community project
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — A new meteorological tower put up here last week will share real-time wind-speed data online.
St. Lawrence River Public Power Association, which is behind an effort for a community-owned wind-power project, put the tower up in a field on founder Hester M. Chase's farm, on Bedford Corners Road.
"We need the community to actively talk about how large a project it wants, where it wants a project and how it wants the revenue to come back to the community," said Loren W. Pruskowski, vice president of Sustainable Energy Development, which helps community wind projects. "We're attempting to build that cooperation."
ON THE NET
Black River-St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Council: ww.brslrcd.org
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Newspaper Ad Angers Cape Vincent Planning Board Members
Ad Angers Cape Vincent Planning Board Members
by Timothy W. Scee II
Special to Newzjunky.com
Published September 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT, N.Y. — At a Cape Vincent Planning Board meeting Wednesday, referred to as both a “freak show” and “circus,” in a paid advertisement found on page B6 in Wednesday’s edition of the Watertown Daily Times, board members said the meeting was anything but humorous.
“The purpose of tonight’s meeting,” Richard J. Edsall, the town’s planning board chairman said, “is to go through the final SEQR document and make some kind of determination and it’s the planning board’s turn to find out what they need to do.”
by Timothy W. Scee II
Special to Newzjunky.com
Published September 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT, N.Y. — At a Cape Vincent Planning Board meeting Wednesday, referred to as both a “freak show” and “circus,” in a paid advertisement found on page B6 in Wednesday’s edition of the Watertown Daily Times, board members said the meeting was anything but humorous.
“The purpose of tonight’s meeting,” Richard J. Edsall, the town’s planning board chairman said, “is to go through the final SEQR document and make some kind of determination and it’s the planning board’s turn to find out what they need to do.”
Circus in Cape
Circus in Cape Vincent
Click title link to view video
By: Amanda Kelley
09/16/2010 06:17 AM
A large crowed gathered in Cape Vincent Wednesday as the town's Planning Board reviewed an environmental impact study on wind development. Our Amanda Kelley tells us more about why this meeting became the talk of the town.
CAPE VINCENT, N.Y. - -Come one, come all to the Cape Vincent Planning Board Meeting.
The regular meeting was packed thanks to this paid political ad in Wednesday's Watertown Daily Times.
Planning Board member Andrew Binsley said, "I was disappointed in the clowns, and noticed that the elephants didn't show up tonight."
The ad stirred up controversy before the meeting even began. Planning Board Chairman Rich Edsall was called a ringmaster, and board members had shots taken at them as well. Edsall declined to comment, but not everyone took the ad to heart.
Wind Power Ethics Chairman John Byrne said, "It did have a humorous tone to it. But I don't think that the people of the board felt that it was humorous."
Members of the board approved the Final Environmental Impact Statement Wednesday, with one member abstaining from voting.
Binsley said, "I haven't had a chance to look at it, I was at the board of elections from eight o'clock this morning. I have not looked at one page of the proposal, so therefore how can I vote on something I haven't even looked at."
Something that angered many in opposition of wind development in Cape Vincent.
Byrne said, "The seeker process said they were supposed to take a hard look. If they haven't read the document, I think it's fair to say they have not taken a hard look."
The meeting didn't allow for public comment, but plenty of opinions circulated throughout the room.
Byrne said, "It's another step that the planning board has taken, to take us down a road that the community is not choosing to go down."
Binsley said, "I don't feel that any of this has been a circus. From the three years that we've been working with this there has not been one day that I feel that any member of this board has been a clown or ignorant or a monkey or whatever they want to have called us."
Circus or not, wind development continues to move forward.
As for the next step in wind development, developers must now to submit their completed site plan to the town board.
Click title link to view video
By: Amanda Kelley
09/16/2010 06:17 AM
A large crowed gathered in Cape Vincent Wednesday as the town's Planning Board reviewed an environmental impact study on wind development. Our Amanda Kelley tells us more about why this meeting became the talk of the town.
CAPE VINCENT, N.Y. - -Come one, come all to the Cape Vincent Planning Board Meeting.
The regular meeting was packed thanks to this paid political ad in Wednesday's Watertown Daily Times.
Planning Board member Andrew Binsley said, "I was disappointed in the clowns, and noticed that the elephants didn't show up tonight."
The ad stirred up controversy before the meeting even began. Planning Board Chairman Rich Edsall was called a ringmaster, and board members had shots taken at them as well. Edsall declined to comment, but not everyone took the ad to heart.
Wind Power Ethics Chairman John Byrne said, "It did have a humorous tone to it. But I don't think that the people of the board felt that it was humorous."
Members of the board approved the Final Environmental Impact Statement Wednesday, with one member abstaining from voting.
Binsley said, "I haven't had a chance to look at it, I was at the board of elections from eight o'clock this morning. I have not looked at one page of the proposal, so therefore how can I vote on something I haven't even looked at."
Something that angered many in opposition of wind development in Cape Vincent.
Byrne said, "The seeker process said they were supposed to take a hard look. If they haven't read the document, I think it's fair to say they have not taken a hard look."
The meeting didn't allow for public comment, but plenty of opinions circulated throughout the room.
Byrne said, "It's another step that the planning board has taken, to take us down a road that the community is not choosing to go down."
Binsley said, "I don't feel that any of this has been a circus. From the three years that we've been working with this there has not been one day that I feel that any member of this board has been a clown or ignorant or a monkey or whatever they want to have called us."
Circus or not, wind development continues to move forward.
As for the next step in wind development, developers must now to submit their completed site plan to the town board.
Watertown Daily Times | Wind farm moves forward
Watertown Daily Times Wind farm moves forward
CLOCK TICKING: Cape Planning Board approves impact statement, awaits complete site plan application
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — St. Lawrence Wind Farm passed a major marker toward completion when the town Planning Boardapproved the final environmental impact statement Wednesday night.
The action, along with the findings to which the board agreed, marks the end of the environmental review process under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
CLOCK TICKING: Cape Planning Board approves impact statement, awaits complete site plan application
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — St. Lawrence Wind Farm passed a major marker toward completion when the town Planning Boardapproved the final environmental impact statement Wednesday night.
The action, along with the findings to which the board agreed, marks the end of the environmental review process under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
Watertown Daily Times | Cape clerk resigns abruptly
Watertown Daily Times | Cape clerk resigns abruptly
OFFICIALS SAY LITTLE: Discrepancies found in town's finances
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Town Clerk Jeri Ann Mason resigned abruptly Tuesday after a partial audit report found discrepancies in the town's finances.
Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey would not comment on whether Ms. Mason was accused of taking any town money, but said the case is under investigation by the Jefferson County district attorney's office.
OFFICIALS SAY LITTLE: Discrepancies found in town's finances
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Town Clerk Jeri Ann Mason resigned abruptly Tuesday after a partial audit report found discrepancies in the town's finances.
Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey would not comment on whether Ms. Mason was accused of taking any town money, but said the case is under investigation by the Jefferson County district attorney's office.
Cape clerk resigns abruptly
Cape clerk resigns abruptly
OFFICIALS SAY LITTLE: Discrepancies found in town's finances
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Town Clerk Jeri Ann Mason resigned abruptly Tuesday after a partial audit report found discrepancies in the town's finances.
Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey would not comment on whether Ms. Mason was accused of taking any town money, but said the case is under investigation by the Jefferson County district attorney's office.
OFFICIALS SAY LITTLE: Discrepancies found in town's finances
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Town Clerk Jeri Ann Mason resigned abruptly Tuesday after a partial audit report found discrepancies in the town's finances.
Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey would not comment on whether Ms. Mason was accused of taking any town money, but said the case is under investigation by the Jefferson County district attorney's office.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Transport route diagrams from Acciona's FEIS for the St.Lawrence Wind Project .
App C-5 Transport Route Study Acciona Industrial Wind / FEIS /Cape Vincent New york
Transport route diagrams from Acciona's FEIS for the St.Lawrence wind project .
Click on highlighted titles to view in a larger window.
County Road 9 & McKeever Road
County Road 8 & McKeever Road Nourth Bound
County road 8 & McKeever Road South Bound
County Road 8 & Mason Road
Mason Road & Gosier Road
Mason Road & favret Road
Favret Road & Hell Street North Bound
Favret Road & Hell Street South Bound
Hell Street & Constance Road
Favrte Road & Wilson Road
NY Route 12 E / Deerlick & Favret Roads
Transport route diagrams from Acciona's FEIS for the St.Lawrence wind project .
Click on highlighted titles to view in a larger window.
County Road 9 & McKeever Road
County Road 8 & McKeever Road Nourth Bound
County road 8 & McKeever Road South Bound
County Road 8 & Mason Road
Mason Road & Gosier Road
Mason Road & favret Road
Favret Road & Hell Street North Bound
Favret Road & Hell Street South Bound
Hell Street & Constance Road
Favrte Road & Wilson Road
NY Route 12 E / Deerlick & Favret Roads
Friday, September 10, 2010
Cape defeats wind measure
Cape defeats wind measure
Cape defeats wind measure
MORATORIUM FAILS: Focus set on probe by attorney general
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Once again, an attempt by Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey to hold up wind power development failed to pass the Town Council.
Mr. Hirschey had proposed a moratorium first at a special meeting Aug. 17, when it failed to pass.
On Thursday night, Mr. Hirschey suggested a moratorium which would last until March 1 or the state Attorney General's office has completed its investigation into potential misconduct by town officials related to wind power development.
Cape defeats wind measure
MORATORIUM FAILS: Focus set on probe by attorney general
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Once again, an attempt by Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey to hold up wind power development failed to pass the Town Council.
Mr. Hirschey had proposed a moratorium first at a special meeting Aug. 17, when it failed to pass.
On Thursday night, Mr. Hirschey suggested a moratorium which would last until March 1 or the state Attorney General's office has completed its investigation into potential misconduct by town officials related to wind power development.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
JCIDA lifts moratorium on wind plans
Watertown Daily Times JCIDA lifts moratorium on wind plans
'EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF WORK': Agency will keep preparing uniform tax-exempt policy at the same time
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
Even as the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency prepares for a public hearing on a proposed new uniform tax-exempt policy, the agency again will accept applications for tax breaks from wind power developers.
The agency's board, meeting Thursday morning, agreed to lift its moratorium on applications from developers.
'EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF WORK': Agency will keep preparing uniform tax-exempt policy at the same time
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
Even as the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency prepares for a public hearing on a proposed new uniform tax-exempt policy, the agency again will accept applications for tax breaks from wind power developers.
The agency's board, meeting Thursday morning, agreed to lift its moratorium on applications from developers.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
AG launches investigation into Cape Vincent wind dealings
AG launches investigation into Cape Vincent wind dealings
Posting Date: 09-01-2010
Carol Thompson
The Valley News Online
by Carol Thompson
The state Attorney General’s office has launched an investigation into possible misconduct by Cape Vincent officials for wind turbine farms proposed by Acciona Energia and British Petroleum.
In an Aug, 13 letter, the state ordered all documents from the town council and planning board related to wind development be turned over.
- Valley News
Posting Date: 09-01-2010
Carol Thompson
The Valley News Online
by Carol Thompson
The state Attorney General’s office has launched an investigation into possible misconduct by Cape Vincent officials for wind turbine farms proposed by Acciona Energia and British Petroleum.
In an Aug, 13 letter, the state ordered all documents from the town council and planning board related to wind development be turned over.
- Valley News
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
State to pick up records in probe of Cape Vincent
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Staff from the state attorney general's office will be in town Friday to pick up records as part of an investigation into allegations of misconduct by some town officials in connection to wind power development.
The office ordered all documents from the Town Council and Planning Board related to wind development be turned over in an Aug. 13 letter. Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey said Tuesday that four boxes of materials have been collected, which comprise all of what the attorney general requested. He said interviews had not been scheduled yet with town officials about the material.
Mr. Hirschey will not call a second special meeting to vote on a moratorium on wind power development. A meeting Aug. 17 resulted in no change, because two councilmen were not present. The next council meeting is at 6 p.m. Sept. 9.
Link to Watertown Times article here
CAPE VINCENT — Staff from the state attorney general's office will be in town Friday to pick up records as part of an investigation into allegations of misconduct by some town officials in connection to wind power development.
The office ordered all documents from the Town Council and Planning Board related to wind development be turned over in an Aug. 13 letter. Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey said Tuesday that four boxes of materials have been collected, which comprise all of what the attorney general requested. He said interviews had not been scheduled yet with town officials about the material.
Mr. Hirschey will not call a second special meeting to vote on a moratorium on wind power development. A meeting Aug. 17 resulted in no change, because two councilmen were not present. The next council meeting is at 6 p.m. Sept. 9.
Link to Watertown Times article here
Watertown Daily Times | State to pick up records in probe of Cape Vincent
Watertown Daily Times State to pick up records in probe of Cape Vincent
State to pick up records in probe of Cape Vincent
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Staff from the state attorney general's office will be in town Friday to pick up records as part of an investigation into allegations of misconduct by some town officials in connection to wind power development.
The office ordered all documents from the Town Council and Planning Board related to wind development be turned over in an Aug. 13 letter. Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey said Tuesday that four boxes of materials have been collected, which comprise all of what the attorney general requested. He said interviews had not been scheduled yet with town officials about the material.
State to pick up records in probe of Cape Vincent
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — Staff from the state attorney general's office will be in town Friday to pick up records as part of an investigation into allegations of misconduct by some town officials in connection to wind power development.
The office ordered all documents from the Town Council and Planning Board related to wind development be turned over in an Aug. 13 letter. Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey said Tuesday that four boxes of materials have been collected, which comprise all of what the attorney general requested. He said interviews had not been scheduled yet with town officials about the material.
Town Of Henderson~RE:Galloo~County official ‘disappointed’ with wind lawsuit decision
County official ‘disappointed’ with wind lawsuit decision
Posting Date: 08-25-2010
Carol Thompson
The Valley News Online
by Carol Thompson
A state Supreme Court judge has dismissed the Town of Henderson’s legal opposition to a proposed wind farm on Galloo Island in the town of Hounsfield.
Although an Oswego County legislator is disappointed, he is optimistic that the outcome won’t expedite the project.
Posting Date: 08-25-2010
Carol Thompson
The Valley News Online
by Carol Thompson
A state Supreme Court judge has dismissed the Town of Henderson’s legal opposition to a proposed wind farm on Galloo Island in the town of Hounsfield.
Although an Oswego County legislator is disappointed, he is optimistic that the outcome won’t expedite the project.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Galloo ~ Ruling dismisses town's objection
Ruling dismisses town's objection
GALLOO WIND FARM: Judge says Henderson failed to show injury
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2010
A state Supreme Court judge has dismissed the town of Henderson's legal opposition to a proposed wind farm on Galloo Island in the town of Hounsfield.
Henderson's Town Council brought an Article 78 proceeding in February asking that a judge, among other things, annul the town of Hounsfield Planning Board's site plan approval for Upstate NY Power Corp.'s Galloo Island Wind Farm.
GALLOO WIND FARM: Judge says Henderson failed to show injury
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2010
A state Supreme Court judge has dismissed the town of Henderson's legal opposition to a proposed wind farm on Galloo Island in the town of Hounsfield.
Henderson's Town Council brought an Article 78 proceeding in February asking that a judge, among other things, annul the town of Hounsfield Planning Board's site plan approval for Upstate NY Power Corp.'s Galloo Island Wind Farm.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Town accepts final impact statement
By Robert Brauchle Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (New York)
Date: Thursday, August 19 2010
Aug. 19--CAPE VINCENT -- The town Planning Board unanimously accepted the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the St. Lawrence Wind Farm as being complete Wednesday night, a day after the Town Council here lacked the votes to suspend all wind power development.
During the roughly 20-minute meeting, board members asked for an explanation from the developer, Acciona Wind Energy USA, as to why the project was reduced from 53 turbines to 51 and whether that change affects the studies performed for the larger project.
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (New York)
Date: Thursday, August 19 2010
Aug. 19--CAPE VINCENT -- The town Planning Board unanimously accepted the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the St. Lawrence Wind Farm as being complete Wednesday night, a day after the Town Council here lacked the votes to suspend all wind power development.
During the roughly 20-minute meeting, board members asked for an explanation from the developer, Acciona Wind Energy USA, as to why the project was reduced from 53 turbines to 51 and whether that change affects the studies performed for the larger project.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Attorney General Investigates Wind Farm Dealings ~ ABC ~ 50 ~Video
Reported by: Holly Boname~ ABC 50 link--->here<---Cape Vincent is usually a quiet town with little conflict, but that was not the case at Tuesday night’s emergency town board meeting.
The meeting was called by Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey in response to the office of Andrew Cuomo, New York State Attorney General, request of all documentation pertaining to the wind farm development project.
The town of Cape Vincent has been divided on the issue of wind turbines being developed on privately owned farm land.
Cape declines halt on wind
By Robert Brauchle Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (New York)
Date: Wednesday, August 18 2010
Aug. 18--MEASURE NOT DEAD: Re-vote likely when all councilmen present
CAPE VINCENT -- A special meeting expected to temporarily halt wind power development in the town ended anticlimactically Tuesday, with the Town Council failing to pass a resolution.
The measure, presented by Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey, would have suspended all actions pertaining to wind development until a state Attorney General's office investigation is complete.
Publication: Watertown Daily Times (New York)
Date: Wednesday, August 18 2010
Aug. 18--MEASURE NOT DEAD: Re-vote likely when all councilmen present
CAPE VINCENT -- A special meeting expected to temporarily halt wind power development in the town ended anticlimactically Tuesday, with the Town Council failing to pass a resolution.
The measure, presented by Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey, would have suspended all actions pertaining to wind development until a state Attorney General's office investigation is complete.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
The state Attorney General’s office has launched an investigation into possible misconduct by Cape Vincent officials
Breaking News News from The Post-Standard -
By Marie Morelli / The Post-Standard
August 16, 2010, 4:10PM
Syracuse, NY -- The state Attorney General’s office has launched an investigation into possible misconduct by Cape Vincent officials as they consider plans to build more than 100 wind turbines in their town. Opponents of the two proposed wind farms complained to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo that the planning process was tainted by conflicts of interest on the town... Full story
By Marie Morelli / The Post-Standard
August 16, 2010, 4:10PM
Syracuse, NY -- The state Attorney General’s office has launched an investigation into possible misconduct by Cape Vincent officials as they consider plans to build more than 100 wind turbines in their town. Opponents of the two proposed wind farms complained to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo that the planning process was tainted by conflicts of interest on the town... Full story
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Cape Vincent Ny ~ Special board meeting ~ RE: Attourney General's investigation
Cape Vincent Supervisor Urban Hirschey calls a special board meeting
to address the New York State Attorney General's announcement that "certain" members of the Cape Vincent Town Board and Planning Board are under investigation for misconduct in the handling of wind development matters.
Special ~ Cape Vincent New York Town Board Meeting at Recreation Park on James Street.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010, 7:00 PM
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Misconduct alleged in wind development
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY
CAPE VINCENT — The state attorney generals office is investigating allegations of misconduct by "certain" town officials in connection with the development of wind farms.
to address the New York State Attorney General's announcement that "certain" members of the Cape Vincent Town Board and Planning Board are under investigation for misconduct in the handling of wind development matters.
Special ~ Cape Vincent New York Town Board Meeting at Recreation Park on James Street.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010, 7:00 PM
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Misconduct alleged in wind development
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY
CAPE VINCENT — The state attorney generals office is investigating allegations of misconduct by "certain" town officials in connection with the development of wind farms.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
State probing officials at Cape
State probing officials at Cape
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Misconduct alleged in wind development
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2010
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Misconduct alleged in wind development
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The state attorney general's office is investigating allegations of misconduct by "certain" town officials in connection with the development of wind farms.
John T. Milgrim, spokesman for the attorney general, confirmed that a letter was sent to the town and its attorney Friday afternoon informing them an investigation had been launched.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Acciona submits its 'final' statement
WIND FARM PLANS: Developer ignores consultant's views on noise analysis
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The developer of St. Lawrence Wind Farm has eliminated two wind turbines for noise and wetland considerations, but it ignored the conclusions of the town's consultant on noise analysis in order to maintain a 51-turbine array.
Acciona Wind Energy USA submitted the possible Final Environmental Impact Statement to the town Planning Board on July 28. The board will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cape Vincent Recreation Park, 602 S. James St., to decide whether to accept the statement and deem it complete.
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The developer of St. Lawrence Wind Farm has eliminated two wind turbines for noise and wetland considerations, but it ignored the conclusions of the town's consultant on noise analysis in order to maintain a 51-turbine array.
Acciona Wind Energy USA submitted the possible Final Environmental Impact Statement to the town Planning Board on July 28. The board will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cape Vincent Recreation Park, 602 S. James St., to decide whether to accept the statement and deem it complete.
Acciona submits its 'final' statement
Acciona submits its 'final' statement
WIND FARM PLANS: Developer ignores consultant's views on noise analysis
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The developer of St. Lawrence Wind Farm has eliminated two wind turbines for noise and wetland considerations, but it ignored the conclusions of the town's consultant on noise analysis in order to maintain a 51-turbine array.
Acciona Wind Energy USA submitted the possible Final Environmental Impact Statement to the town Planning Board on July 28. The board will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cape Vincent Recreation Park, 602 S. James St., to decide whether to accept the statement and deem it complete.
Click title link to read WDT comments
WIND FARM PLANS: Developer ignores consultant's views on noise analysis
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010
CAPE VINCENT — The developer of St. Lawrence Wind Farm has eliminated two wind turbines for noise and wetland considerations, but it ignored the conclusions of the town's consultant on noise analysis in order to maintain a 51-turbine array.
Acciona Wind Energy USA submitted the possible Final Environmental Impact Statement to the town Planning Board on July 28. The board will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cape Vincent Recreation Park, 602 S. James St., to decide whether to accept the statement and deem it complete.
Click title link to read WDT comments
Friday, August 6, 2010
NCPR ~ Save the River ~ calls For Three Year Wind Development Moratorium
Save the River, an environmental group based in Clayton, NY, wants a three-year delay in development of more wind power along the St. Lawrence River.
A spokesperson for the group says there are proposals for some 400 wind turbines in the Thousand Island region. Preliminary numbers from a study at an 86-turbine wind farm on Wolfe Island, a Canadian island near Kingston, Ontario, show higher than usual mortality among birds and bats. Martha Foley has more.
<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> <~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> Wolfe Island bird kills raise wind power concerns 07/07/10 A recent study of bird and bat mortality at Wolfe Island’s 82-turbine wind farm is raising concerns among environmentalists. Wolfe Island is Canadian territory, located where Lake Ontario empties into the St. Lawrence River. The report found 600 birds and more than a thousand bats were killed by the windmill blades in a six month period. Nature Canada called the numbers “shockingly high.” Ornithologist Bill Evans says the real question is which species of birds died. Evans directs Old Bird, Inc. in Ithaca and has consulted for both wind power companies and environmental groups. He told David Sommerstein Wolfe Island is a designated important bird area, so ornithologists predicted high fatalities. Evans says the number of hawks, owls, and other raptors was the most alarming. Video of Save The River statement
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
JCIDA: All jurisdictions must agree to PILOTs
Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
By Nancy Madsen
Wednesday, August 4 2010
Aug. 04--Jefferson County could see repeats of the rancor that accompanied the Galloo Island Wind Farm payment-in-lieu-of-taxes approval at the county Legislature after changes made Tuesday morning.
A payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for any wind power project will need approval from all of the involved taxing jurisdictions, agreed members of the governance committee of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency.
To see more of the Watertown Daily Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/ .
By Nancy Madsen
Wednesday, August 4 2010
Aug. 04--Jefferson County could see repeats of the rancor that accompanied the Galloo Island Wind Farm payment-in-lieu-of-taxes approval at the county Legislature after changes made Tuesday morning.
A payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for any wind power project will need approval from all of the involved taxing jurisdictions, agreed members of the governance committee of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency.
To see more of the Watertown Daily Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/ .
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