Friday, September 30, 2011

New York Power Authority won’t reconsider buying power from Galloo Island Wind Farm

  Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times New York Power Authority won’t reconsider buying power from Galloo Island Wind Farm

PROJECT MAY BE IN JEOPARDY: Authority says it will focus its efforts on upgrading transmission system
By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011


Galloo Island Wind Farm doesn’t have a prayer of getting any money from the New York Power Authority. And neither do any other renewable energy projects, authority staff reportedly said during a conference call Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Henderson Town Council opposes Article X in letter to Cuomo

  Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times Henderson Town Council opposes Article X in letter to Cuomo
By SARAH HAASE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2011


HENDERSON — Town officials are letting Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo know they want Article X axed.

The Town Council is sending a letter to the governor’s office expressing its dislike for the Power NY Act of 2011, specifically Article X.

The process would take decisions about wind projects of 25 megawatts or more away from local municipalities and give it to a state-established, seven member council. Two members would be from the community where the project is proposed.

Hammond Schedules Wind Law Meeting

 Link here to continue reading   The Journal Hammond Schedules Wind Law Meeting

By JIMMY LAWTON
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2011


HAMMOND - Town residents will have one more chance to speak on the proposed wind facilities law at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Hammond Central School.

The hearing will focus on recent changes adopted by the Town Council based on recommendations from the St. Lawrence County Planning Board.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Proposed wind energy law to be reviewed by Morristown Town Board at special meeting Wednesday

 Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times | Proposed wind energy law to be reviewed by Morristown Town Board at special meeting Wednesday

MORRISTOWN: Officials to discuss revamped regulations on Wednesday
By MATT MCALLISTER
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011


MORRISTOWN — Supervisor Frank L. Putman said he believes the town’s proposed wind energy law “is as close to fair and equitable to the masses” as possible.

“After receiving assistance from our local wind committee, the St. Lawrence County planning office and our consultant, as well as from the town attorney, I think we have a pretty solid law,” Mr. Putman said Monday. “At least that’s what I’m hearing as feedback from these entities.”

The Journal | Morristown Wind Law Set For Review

  Link here to continue reading  The Journal Morristown Wind Law Set For Review

By MATT MCALLISTER
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011


MORRISTOWN - Supervisor Frank L. Putman said he believes the town's proposed wind energy law "is as close to fair and equitable to the masses" as possible.

"After receiving assistance from our local wind committee, the St. Lawrence County planning office and our consultant, as well as from the town attorney, I think we have a pretty solid law," Mr. Putman said Monday. "At least that's what I'm hearing as feedback from these entities."

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Cape Vincent voters break overwhelmingly for anti-wind power candidates; Greig primary flips

  Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times Cape Vincent voters break overwhelmingly for anti-wind power candidates; Greig primary flips

RESULTS CERTIFIED: GOP town supervisor line decided by one vote; anti-wind power candidates sweep Cape
By BRIAN AMARAL
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011


Absentee ballots made the difference in the race for the Republican nomination for Greig town supervisor.

Donald D. Schneider beat Supervisor Marilyn E. Patterson for the Republican nomination, 91-90, according to Lewis County Board of Elections figures. Mr. Schneider was losing by two votes on primary night, Sept. 13, but made up the difference after absentee ballots were counted and the primary results were certified Wednesday.

Hopkinton Wind Law Plan Nearing Completion

  Link here to continue reading   Daily Courier-Observer | Hopkinton Wind Law Plan Nearing Completion
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011


By MATTHEW BULTMAN

HOPKINTON — Hopkinton is content with its wind plan, at least for the time being.

Town leaders have made several revisions to their local law, many of which were formatting and word changes required by the St. Lawrence County Planning Board earlier this month.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Dems won’t field candidates on ballots in Cape Vincent, Clayton and Wilna

  Link here to continue reading  Watertown Daily Times Dems won’t field candidates on ballots in Cape Vincent, Clayton and Wilna
By BRIAN AMARAL
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011


Voters who want to pick Democrats in Cape Vincent, Clayton or Wilna in the Nov. 8 election will have to write in the candidates’ names instead of picking them out from a list because of paperwork errors on the part of local party officials.

The fact that Democrats will be left off the ballots in those elections will complicate, but not thwart, the party’s efforts at getting its candidates elected.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Cape Vincent saw big vote totals

 Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times | Cape Vincent saw big vote totals

By BRIAN AMARAL
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

More than two-thirds of all the absentee ballots cast so far for Tuesday’s local races in Jefferson County were for Cape Vincent’s Republican primary, likely the sign of a higher than normal percentage of seasonal residents voting in the election.

The absentee ballots have yet to be counted, and they have yet to all trickle in. The Jefferson County Board of Elections has until Sept. 20 to receive postmarked ballots.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Clayton wants wind turbine noise limited at 45 dBA

 Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times | Clayton wants wind turbine noise limited at 45 dBA

TURBINE LAW: Town Council wants to amend regulations to allow 45 decibels instead of 50
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011


CLAYTON — The Town Council proposed a zoning amendment Wednesday that would force commercial wind turbines to be five decibels quieter than allowed under its existing wind law.

“We want to amend it from 50 dBA to 45 dBA based on the World Health Organization guidelines for community noise. That would be the noise limit at participating residences and nonparticipating property lines,” Town Supervisor Justin A. Taylor said.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Watertown Daily Times | Wind-power foes, Lewis County newcomer win the night

  Link here to continue reading  Watertown Daily Times | Wind-power foes, Lewis County newcomer win the night

RUMBLE WEIGHS OPTIONS: Wind power opponents big winners in Cape Vincent
By BRIAN AMARAL, STEVE VIRKLER, JAEGUN LEE & SARAH HAASE
TIMES STAFF WRITERS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011


Wind-power opponents in Cape Vincent and a relative newcomer in Lewis County won big in Tuesday’s primary elections.

In Lewis County, Michael P. Carpinelli soundly defeated Devere D. Rumble, 1,370 to 733, in a Republican primary for sheriff. Mr. Carpinelli garnered 65 percent of the vote, according to unofficial Board of Elections figures that do not include absentee ballots.

MetalCraft signs 5-year lease with Cape’s Anchor Marina

  Link here to continue reading  Watertown Daily Times | MetalCraft signs 5-year lease with Cape’s Anchor Marina
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011


CAPE VINCENT — MetalCraft Marine signed a five-year lease to use one of Anchor Marina’s buildings Tuesday and plans to have its new U.S. boat shop up and running by November.

Anchor Marina will continue to serve customers and could lease out its other waterfront building to the Kingston, Ontario-based boat manufacturer within the next few years.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Voters will head to the polls today

 Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times | Voters will head to the polls today

Polls open from noon to 9 p.m.: Wind development is the key issue in Cape Vincent GOP race
By BRIAN AMARAL
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2011


Voters in Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties will head to the polls today for local election primaries.

Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. A complete list of polling places can be found on the Times’ politics blog, The Public Interest.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Primary day

  Watertown Daily Times Primary day
No need for special ID
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

Tuesday is primary day across the state when voters choose candidates for the November election. The polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m.

Prospective voters in the town of Cape Vincent should remember that there are no local restrictions on who can cast a ballot. An attempt to limit participation by requiring voter identification was illegal and has been rescinded.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Parishville does away with property value guarantee leaving residents to fend for themselves

  Link here to continue reading  Watertown Daily Times | Parishville does away with property value guarantee leaving residents to fend for themselves

No guarantees: Parishville tells land owners they are responsible for losses
By MATTHEW BULTMAN
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011



PARISHVILLE — The jury is still out on whether wind turbines decrease property value, but residents of Parishville will have to cross their fingers if and when developers break ground in the town.

After months of trying to incorporate a clause into their local law that would force wind developers to guarantee property values and reimburse any property owner who claimed his or her land’s value had been diminished by a neighboring wind turbine, the town has decided to scrap the entire idea for the time being.

Martinsburg officials mulling money distribution plan for proposed wind farm

 Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times Martinsburg officials mulling money distribution plan for proposed wind farm
Jurisdictions in accord: Distribution of millions in PILOT funds through the plan’s first 20 years at issue
By STEVE VIRKLER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011


LOWVILLE — If the proposed 39-turbine Roaring Brook Wind Farm is ever built, two of its three taxing jurisdictions agree on how funding should be distributed.

However, town officials still must sign off on the fixed-rate deal before it would take effect.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Cape Vincent Republican Primary Sample Ballot Election District #1 & 2

Cape Vincent Republican Primary Sample Ballot Election District #3

It’s Hirschey vs. White in heated CV Republican primary Tuesday

  Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times It’s Hirschey vs. White in heated CV Republican primary Tuesday

By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2011


CAPE VINCENT — Town Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey will square off Tuesday against challenger Harvey J. White in one of the most heated Republican primaries in recent memory.

The debate focuses largely on commercial wind development. One side pushes for construction of wind farms in Cape Vincent because of potential economic and environmental benefits, and the other side protests the proposed projects in fear that wind turbines would devalue their properties and ruin the landscape.

Pro-wind group made a mockery of voting

Pro-wind group made a mockery of voting
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2011


In a recent letter, Harold Wiley attempted to justify the intent of a petition he circulated in Cape Vincent claiming voter fraud by newly registered voters. His letter did little to justify this claim or the subsequent actions of the town board to address the issue. This is because they (voters for wind) have produced no evidence of voter fraud, and it is the basic premise of his argument that is flawed and unfounded.

Harold claims the 200 or so petition signers agreed that it is unethical and immoral to attempt to influence an election based on one issue. This is simply not true, quite the contrary, many elections are decided by a single issue. In fact a great deal of people vote on an issue rather than a candidate. There are no rules pertaining to this.

I can’t believe Harold, a veteran politician, doesn’t understand this, which leaves me to conclude his intent was merely to intimidate potential voters by urging the town board to enact a ridiculous, illegal voter ID law.

Either that or he saw this as a means to cleanse Don and Marty Mason of their own unethical actions by giving the appearance of attempting to protect the community from voter fraud (which by the way no one would condone), when in fact the action they took was a far worse infringement on legal potential voters constitutional rights.


This petition and the actions taken by Don and Marty Mason are a clear example of the convoluted logic displayed by the pro-wind faction of this community and are a painful reminder of just how far this group is willing to distort the laws and long established principles of ethics to attain their goal of industrializing Cape Vincent for their own personal gain.

They have made a mockery of government and now the democratic process of voting. This should serve as a warning to all other communities as to the danger of tolerating conflicts of interest in their government. Avoid it at all costs. Mr. Wiley encourages everyone to vote for experience in government. Thanks just the same, Harold. I’ll vote for integrity and no to industrial wind development.

David LaMora

Cape Vincent

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Clayton council to get first-hand experience on turbine noise levels

  Link here to continue reading  Watertown Daily Times | Clayton council to get first-hand experience on turbine noise levels

How loud are they?: Field trip is planned to experience 50 decibels
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011


CLAYTON — The Town Council — which vowed last month to put a stricter cap on commercial wind turbine noise levels, currently set at 50 decibels — plans to get some first-hand experience with the issue soon.

“The board members want to get a handle on what 50 decibels is. I want to hear 30-, 40-, 50-decibel sounds inside a room, outside in the open and from 15 feet away in a house,” Councilman Christopher D. Matthews said.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Pseudo scientists, advocates tout information for developing wind power at confrontational session in Cape Vincent

  Link here to continue reading   Watertown Daily Times | Scientists, advocates tout information for developing wind power at confrontational session in Cape Vincent

By NANCY MADSEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
Throughout the two-hour presentation and question-and-answer period, there were occasional outbursts by those opposed to local wind power development, challenging the presentations. More than 100 people came to the town’s recreation hall for the meeting.

“We came to offer the latest scientific information to people — it’s all out there for people to look at,” said Carol E. Murphy, executive director for the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Albany. “But people won’t believe it if they don’t want to believe it.”

Friday, September 2, 2011

MetalCraft to gradually move out of Clayton and into Cape Vincent

  Link here to continue reading  Watertown Daily Times MetalCraft to gradually move out of Clayton and into Cape Vincent
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011
CLAYTON — MetalCraft Marine plans to “gradually move” its Clayton operation to Cape Vincent and double its U.S. staff in anticipation of landing a multimillion-dollar contract for high-speed fireboats, according to the co-owner of the company.

Thomas Wroe, president of the Kingston, Ontario-based aluminum boat manufacturer, said that the port authority of Houston, Texas, is just a few signatures away from placing a $15 million order for three FireStorm 70s and that his company has found a property in Cape Vincent with adequate space to build these 70-foot watercraft.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Petition protested unethical voter conduct

Petition protested unethical voter conduct

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011


First of all, let me say that Sam DeLong, who moved here from Arizona, is a good citizen who has participated in many organizations and has worked hard to make Cape Vincent a better community. We thank her for her efforts and appreciate her involvement.

I would like to give you the basis of a petition that was carried by eight to 10 people in Cape Vincent. The petition states we believe it is unethical to carry out a voter drive to manipulate the outcome of coming elections. This petition was signed by people for wind, people against wind, Democrats, Republicans, a good cross-section of our community that felt strongly that this was not the right thing to do.

If the people changed their vote for the love of Cape Vincent and want to participate in its progress, why haven’t they exercised their right to vote here, five, 10, 15, 25 years ago as many of them have been here that long or longer. Again in my opinion, it was to manipulate the outcome of the coming election to defeat wind farm development.

Ms. DeLong asked me if the Democratic Party participated in voter registration drives and quoted that I said, “no.” Not totally true. I said, “We do to the extent of making sure that new families and new voters are registered to vote.” I further stated that we discussed this at our last Democrat meeting. (We knew what was going on, 250-plus new voters), and we agreed that it was not right or ethical to attempt to stack the votes based on one issue.


I have also been accused of saying that people were unethical and immoral. In no way is this true. I felt the process was wrong, not the people carrying the petitions.

The petition that we carried had no bearing on the voter ID law that was proposed.

Also, we do not propose to deny anyone the right to vote but do want to remind new voters to check with their assessors to make sure that voting here will not affect their STAR exemption or their Homestead exemption on taxes in some states. Also keep in mind that you may have to make yourself available for jury duty. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so let’s all work together to get through this controversy and do what is best for Cape Vincent.

We urge you to vote for experience in town government.

Harold L. Wiley

Cape Vincent