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.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)