Link here to continue reading-- Potsdam turbine blades set to be in village by week’s end
By MATTHEW BULTMAN
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2012
POTSDAM — The village’s much-anticipated turbine blades could be making a reappearance in Potsdam by the end of the week, but its dispute with utility company National Grid doesn’t appear to be going anywhere.
Nine turbine blades needed for the West Dam hydroelectric project have been recast and balanced at their temporary home in Canada, village officials said Monday.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Senator Shumer calls for 800,ooo grant for Metalcraft Marine
Link here to continue reading-- Sen. Schumer to help MetalCraft Marine secure $800k federal grant
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., vowed Friday to help secure an $800,000 federal grant that would allow MetalCraft Marine, a Kingston, Ontario-based custom boat manufacturer, to expand its Cape Vincent boat shop and “double or triple” its U.S. work force within the next couple of years.
“I will fight tooth and nail so that MetalCraft Marine receives an investment they need from the federal government, which will help them grow even further. It’s a smart investment as it would be returned twofold in benefits and jobs right here in the north country,” Sen. Schumer said during a visit to the boatyard.
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., vowed Friday to help secure an $800,000 federal grant that would allow MetalCraft Marine, a Kingston, Ontario-based custom boat manufacturer, to expand its Cape Vincent boat shop and “double or triple” its U.S. work force within the next couple of years.
“I will fight tooth and nail so that MetalCraft Marine receives an investment they need from the federal government, which will help them grow even further. It’s a smart investment as it would be returned twofold in benefits and jobs right here in the north country,” Sen. Schumer said during a visit to the boatyard.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wind turbine noise disturbs camp serenity
Link here to continue reading-- Wind turbine noise disturbs camp serenity
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012
This is a response to Stephen McAdam’s recent letter. He states that turbines make no noise. Are you sure the wind was blowing the day you were there? Unless you spend more than a few minutes around a wind turbine tower, you have no idea the noise they make. The tower itself doesn’t make a lot of noise. It is the air turbulence caused by the rotating blades that causes the noise.
We own a camp near Lowville and those wind towers have ruined the serenity of the area. I cried the first night we spent at our camp after the turbines were turned on. It was in the spring with all the windows closed. I couldn’t sleep with the constant whump, whump, whump of the towers all night long.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012
This is a response to Stephen McAdam’s recent letter. He states that turbines make no noise. Are you sure the wind was blowing the day you were there? Unless you spend more than a few minutes around a wind turbine tower, you have no idea the noise they make. The tower itself doesn’t make a lot of noise. It is the air turbulence caused by the rotating blades that causes the noise.
We own a camp near Lowville and those wind towers have ruined the serenity of the area. I cried the first night we spent at our camp after the turbines were turned on. It was in the spring with all the windows closed. I couldn’t sleep with the constant whump, whump, whump of the towers all night long.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Cape Vincent Wind projects merge
Transcript of article written by Pamela McDowell Thousand Island Sun Staff reporter
February /15/2012
Cape Vincent, soon after a seven-month wind moratorium was put in place by the Cape Vincent Town Board to industrial wind projects planned for Cape Vincent merged with British Petroleum, taking over Acciona's interest in it's St. Lawrence Wind Farm.
According to Richard MacSherry, the planning Board Chairman BP will have to resubmit its Environmental Impact Statement, a lengthy detailed document, due to the fact that he and Supervisor Urban Hirschey have been advised that the new combined 200- Megawatt project will be comprised by more than one size turbine. Mr. MacSherry said he looks forward to seeing the environmental report, since he feels the first one contained flawed studies.
He explained that theoretically, BP can go directly to the state for review of the siting of turbines.
"We don't know what the placement array will look like, and we don't even know if they will go to the planning board." Mr. MacSherry said "Our siting authority has been usurped by article 10," he said. "I wish they would come to the planning board so that we and our engineer can give it a rigorous review. When you usurp site review plans for such a large project, you really leave the town defenseless." He stated the moratorium does not preclude BP from continuing entering into a lease agreements with landowners or from continuing with the environmental review. The state is expected to publish its site review procedures by August 15.
Town Supervisor Hirschey said the moratorium on wind development, passed at the special meeting February 7, is not to deny wind development, but only to delay it. While the board develops a better when law.
Councilman Brooks Bragdon stated before the vote that he feels the moratorium is needed, to allow time for the town to develop a wind law "We're delinquent on updating a comprehensive plan and zoning laws... wind has come as something new to us. We need to step back and look at what we want for Cape Vincent. A moratorium will give us a chance to do this," he said, in part. The moratorium past 4 to1 Councilman Mickey Orvis, casting the lone vote against it. Councilman Orvis explained his stance, that article 10, which was re-enacted in the power New York act of 2011 pre-empts local laws. "There's already a state law on the books," he told board and approximately 125 residents. He said the town does not need to get involved in re-writing an industrial wind development law, but should remain neutral for the town's divisions to heal.
Other Councilman disagreed, with Clifford Schneider explaining his understanding of article 10: it doesn't provide a specific law, but allows the state to decide whether the local law is reasonable, "It behooves us to update our local zoning laws," Councilman Schneider said . Councilman John Byrne said he would vote for the moratorium because "the people have spoken." He referred to the 2009 petition signed by 800 residents that asked for a moratorium, but was ignored by the previous board.
In a public hearing prior to the vote, two residents also spoke of the 800- signature petition and urged the board to enactment moratorium.
Resident Lyle wood spoke against it, saying he was "thoroughly disgusted" with some members of the board. He accused them of making decisions behind closed doors. He and Paul Mason said that the board ignored the results of a Zogby poll conducted last year that indicated 47% of the public was in favor of wind development and 41% against it.
Mr. Mason stated, "If you think, you are going to prevent me from having a personal turbine on my property as an agricultural practice, then you will have a battle on your hands."
Twelve letters sent to the board to be entered into the public record were all in favor of the moratorium. The moratorium is expected to remain in effect until September 7, 2012, but could be extended if the revamped zoning laws are not completed.
February /15/2012
Cape Vincent, soon after a seven-month wind moratorium was put in place by the Cape Vincent Town Board to industrial wind projects planned for Cape Vincent merged with British Petroleum, taking over Acciona's interest in it's St. Lawrence Wind Farm.
According to Richard MacSherry, the planning Board Chairman BP will have to resubmit its Environmental Impact Statement, a lengthy detailed document, due to the fact that he and Supervisor Urban Hirschey have been advised that the new combined 200- Megawatt project will be comprised by more than one size turbine. Mr. MacSherry said he looks forward to seeing the environmental report, since he feels the first one contained flawed studies.
He explained that theoretically, BP can go directly to the state for review of the siting of turbines.
"We don't know what the placement array will look like, and we don't even know if they will go to the planning board." Mr. MacSherry said "Our siting authority has been usurped by article 10," he said. "I wish they would come to the planning board so that we and our engineer can give it a rigorous review. When you usurp site review plans for such a large project, you really leave the town defenseless." He stated the moratorium does not preclude BP from continuing entering into a lease agreements with landowners or from continuing with the environmental review. The state is expected to publish its site review procedures by August 15.
Town Supervisor Hirschey said the moratorium on wind development, passed at the special meeting February 7, is not to deny wind development, but only to delay it. While the board develops a better when law.
Councilman Brooks Bragdon stated before the vote that he feels the moratorium is needed, to allow time for the town to develop a wind law "We're delinquent on updating a comprehensive plan and zoning laws... wind has come as something new to us. We need to step back and look at what we want for Cape Vincent. A moratorium will give us a chance to do this," he said, in part. The moratorium past 4 to1 Councilman Mickey Orvis, casting the lone vote against it. Councilman Orvis explained his stance, that article 10, which was re-enacted in the power New York act of 2011 pre-empts local laws. "There's already a state law on the books," he told board and approximately 125 residents. He said the town does not need to get involved in re-writing an industrial wind development law, but should remain neutral for the town's divisions to heal.
Other Councilman disagreed, with Clifford Schneider explaining his understanding of article 10: it doesn't provide a specific law, but allows the state to decide whether the local law is reasonable, "It behooves us to update our local zoning laws," Councilman Schneider said . Councilman John Byrne said he would vote for the moratorium because "the people have spoken." He referred to the 2009 petition signed by 800 residents that asked for a moratorium, but was ignored by the previous board.
In a public hearing prior to the vote, two residents also spoke of the 800- signature petition and urged the board to enactment moratorium.
Resident Lyle wood spoke against it, saying he was "thoroughly disgusted" with some members of the board. He accused them of making decisions behind closed doors. He and Paul Mason said that the board ignored the results of a Zogby poll conducted last year that indicated 47% of the public was in favor of wind development and 41% against it.
Mr. Mason stated, "If you think, you are going to prevent me from having a personal turbine on my property as an agricultural practice, then you will have a battle on your hands."
Twelve letters sent to the board to be entered into the public record were all in favor of the moratorium. The moratorium is expected to remain in effect until September 7, 2012, but could be extended if the revamped zoning laws are not completed.
Cape Vincent man erects personal turbine; wants town to cover his legal fees
Link here to continue reading-- Cape Vincent man erects personal turbine; wants town to cover his legal fees
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15,
CAPE VINCENT — Robert A. Shimp’s 50-foot personal wind turbine is up at last, and it seems the only person benefiting from the feud between him and the town of Cape Vincent is Mr. Shimp’s lawyer.While putting some finishing touches Tuesday on the structure erected next to his 31699 County Route 6 home, Mr. Shimp said all he wants is for the town supervisor — Urban C. Hirschey, who wrote Mr. Shimp a letter two weeks ago asking him to halt this town-approved project — to acknowledge his error and the town government to cover his legal fees.“He still hasn’t apologized,” Mr. Shimp said. “We have a case against the town and we said we would drop it if the town covers our lawyer’s fees.”The exact amount his lawyer will charge him has not been determined yet, Mr. Shimp said, but should be from $1,200 to $1,600.
He hired a lawyer after receiving a letter, dated Jan. 30 and signed by Mr. Hirschey, telling Mr. Shimp he could not install the turbine because the Town Council had proposed a wind moratorium.
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15,
CAPE VINCENT — Robert A. Shimp’s 50-foot personal wind turbine is up at last, and it seems the only person benefiting from the feud between him and the town of Cape Vincent is Mr. Shimp’s lawyer.While putting some finishing touches Tuesday on the structure erected next to his 31699 County Route 6 home, Mr. Shimp said all he wants is for the town supervisor — Urban C. Hirschey, who wrote Mr. Shimp a letter two weeks ago asking him to halt this town-approved project — to acknowledge his error and the town government to cover his legal fees.“He still hasn’t apologized,” Mr. Shimp said. “We have a case against the town and we said we would drop it if the town covers our lawyer’s fees.”The exact amount his lawyer will charge him has not been determined yet, Mr. Shimp said, but should be from $1,200 to $1,600.
He hired a lawyer after receiving a letter, dated Jan. 30 and signed by Mr. Hirschey, telling Mr. Shimp he could not install the turbine because the Town Council had proposed a wind moratorium.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Louisville plans for wind turbine regulations law
Louisville plans for wind turbine regulations law
By BENNY FAIRCHILD
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012
LOUISVILLE - Citizens and interested parties in the town have until March 14 to file comments related to the State Environmental Quality Review for their pending wind turbine regulations law.
On March 14 the town board will open their 7 p.m. board meeting with a public hearing on the law itself, which prohibits wind turbines from appearing in the town along the St. Lawrence River.
continue reading Louisville plans for wind turbine regulations law
By BENNY FAIRCHILD
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012
LOUISVILLE - Citizens and interested parties in the town have until March 14 to file comments related to the State Environmental Quality Review for their pending wind turbine regulations law.
On March 14 the town board will open their 7 p.m. board meeting with a public hearing on the law itself, which prohibits wind turbines from appearing in the town along the St. Lawrence River.
continue reading Louisville plans for wind turbine regulations law
Cape Vincent wind projects merge; BP taking over Acciona’s St. Lawrence Wind Farm
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The two wind projects proposed in Cape Vincent are merging into one.
Peter A. Gross, the Cape Vincent Wind Farm’s project manager, said Thursday that BP Wind Energy closed a deal to take over Acciona Wind Energy USA’s St. Lawrence Wind Farm project.
Cape Vincent wind projects merge; BP taking over Acciona’s St. Lawrence Wind Farm
Link here to continue reading-- Cape Vincent wind projects merge; BP taking over Acciona’s St. Lawrence Wind FarmBy JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The two wind projects proposed in Cape Vincent are merging into one.
Peter A. Gross, the Cape Vincent Wind Farm’s project manager, said Thursday that BP Wind Energy closed a deal to take over Acciona Wind Energy USA’s St. Lawrence Wind Farm project.
“The deal is closed,” Mr. Gross said. “We are now the owners of substantially all of the assets that were owned by the St. Lawrence Wind Farm. And now we’re in the process of figuring out how to best merge these assets together.”
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The two wind projects proposed in Cape Vincent are merging into one.
Peter A. Gross, the Cape Vincent Wind Farm’s project manager, said Thursday that BP Wind Energy closed a deal to take over Acciona Wind Energy USA’s St. Lawrence Wind Farm project.
“The deal is closed,” Mr. Gross said. “We are now the owners of substantially all of the assets that were owned by the St. Lawrence Wind Farm. And now we’re in the process of figuring out how to best merge these assets together.”
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Moratorium ~ Edsall says I am not going to be Bullied or Intimidated
With a four to one vote, the Cape Vincent town board passed a seven month moratorium on all wind projects, putting a question mark on several planned private windmills. Read more »
Story Updated: Feb 8, 2012 at 11:12 AM EST
There's a new twist in the ongoing debate over wind power in the town of Cape Vincent
The town board Tuesday night passed a seven-month moratorium on such projects.
Industrial wind projects have been a hot-button issue in the town for years and now even individual wind projects are being put on hold.
After a public hearing, the board voted 4 to 1 in favor of the moratorium, putting all wind projects on hold.
A letter was sent last week to six Cape Vincent residents, all of whom already had permits for their personal wind projects.
The letters, sent by town Supervisor Urban Hirschey, said all permits were void because of the pending moratorium.
One of the permits, issued to Robert Shimp, has been declared valid by the zoning board of appeals because of the time and money he's invested in the project.
The fate of the other five permits is unclear.
"At our next meeting, we will take that into consideration," said zoning board member Keith Walker.
Richard Edsall has one of the permits in question.
"I would be happy to compromise, but I'm not going to be bullied or intimidated," Edsall said.
Hirschey declined to comment. Several of the permit holders have obtained legal counsel and say they aren't going away without a fight.
What turbine noise?
What turbine noise?
What’s the deal with Cape Vincent politicians? Do they all have stock in National Grid? The only rule needed for wind turbines is if your tower topples it cannot land on someone else’s property!As far as noise is concerned, people are crazy. My wife has excellent hearing. I say she can hear a dog walking in leaves from three blocks, and we sat beneath turbines near Lowville and didn’t hear a thing!
Stephen McAdam
Gouverneur
What’s the deal with Cape Vincent politicians? Do they all have stock in National Grid? The only rule needed for wind turbines is if your tower topples it cannot land on someone else’s property!As far as noise is concerned, people are crazy. My wife has excellent hearing. I say she can hear a dog walking in leaves from three blocks, and we sat beneath turbines near Lowville and didn’t hear a thing!
Stephen McAdam
Gouverneur
Cape Vincent enacts 7-month wind moratorium
By JAEGUN LEE
Link here to continue reading-- TIMES STAFF WRITERWEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The Town Council passed a seven-month moratorium halting all wind-power development in Cape Vincent on Tuesday night without any surprises.
The vote was 4-1, with the last remaining pro-wind councilman, Mickey W. Orvis, opposing the resolution.
Cape Vincent now has until Sept. 7 to put together a new wind law, although some believe this is meaningless as wind-farm developers may choose to work around Cape Vincent’s local wind law by submitting another application for the state to consider under Article X.
Link here to continue reading-- TIMES STAFF WRITERWEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The Town Council passed a seven-month moratorium halting all wind-power development in Cape Vincent on Tuesday night without any surprises.
The vote was 4-1, with the last remaining pro-wind councilman, Mickey W. Orvis, opposing the resolution.
Cape Vincent now has until Sept. 7 to put together a new wind law, although some believe this is meaningless as wind-farm developers may choose to work around Cape Vincent’s local wind law by submitting another application for the state to consider under Article X.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Cape Vincent ZBA: Wind moratorium does not affect Rob Shimp’s personal turbine
Link here to continue reading-- Cape Vincent ZBA: Wind moratorium does not affect Rob Shimp’s personal turbine
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The town Zoning Board of Appeals does not have an issue with Robert A. Shimp’s personal wind turbine permit, according to its chairman.
However, other turbine permit holders who have not made a “substantial investment” in their projects as of yet can consider their permits void.
“When a town is in the process of instituting a moratorium it does have the authority to go back to issued permits and cancel those permits as long as substantial investment in the development has not occurred,” said zoning board Chairman R. Dennis Faulknham, referring to communications between the town and its legal counsel.
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The town Zoning Board of Appeals does not have an issue with Robert A. Shimp’s personal wind turbine permit, according to its chairman.
However, other turbine permit holders who have not made a “substantial investment” in their projects as of yet can consider their permits void.
“When a town is in the process of instituting a moratorium it does have the authority to go back to issued permits and cancel those permits as long as substantial investment in the development has not occurred,” said zoning board Chairman R. Dennis Faulknham, referring to communications between the town and its legal counsel.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Transcript of British Petroleum's letter to Supervisor Hirschey announcing that their project has merged with Acciona's St. Lawrence Wind.
Original letter at end of this post.
February 6, 2012.< Mr. Urban Hirschey Supervisor. Town of Cape Vincent PO Box 680. Cape Vincent, New York 3618 Dear Supervisor Hirschey: I am writing to inform you that BP wind energy has acquired the assets of the St. Lawrence wind farm and is now carrying out a detailed review of how best to merge these assets with BP's proposed Cape Vincent wind farm. By merging these assets under a single owner, BP creates greater flexibility to develop a project that generates significant economic benefits to the community and provides economies of scale that improve the competitiveness of the project in the power markets. At BP, throughout the planning stage of each new wind farm, we assess the potential social, environmental and conservation impacts of our projects and take steps to reduce impacts through engagement with the community, engineering design, technology and other elements. We look forward to continuing this process with the local communities of Cape Vincent, Lyme and throughout Jefferson County. We anticipate that an expanded Cape Vincent wind farm could produce approximately 200 megawatts(MW). This would require BP to invest in excess of $300 million. When operational, the expanded Cape Vincent wind farm would deliver an additional $1.7 million per year to be divided between the School District's the Town of Cape Vincent and the County. The project will pay lease and royalty payments to landowners, enabling them to supplement their income and remain stewards of their land. Approximately 250 - 300 workers would be employed at the peak of construction of the wind farm with workers, hired locally where possible, increasing the demand for local goods and services. Up to 15 permanent jobs will be created to monitor and maintain the wind facility when it becomes commercially operational. Together, we can make a Cape Vincent Wind Farm a win-win for the community and the environment. Please feel free to contact me at any time, and I will do my best to answer your questions. Sincerely, Peter Gross. Senior Director – Strategic Projects
Original letter at end of this post.
Peter Gross.
Senior Director – Strategic Projects
BP Wind Energy NA Inc.
700 Louisiana
Street, 33RD Floor
Huston, TX 77002
Email: Peter .Gross@bp.com
Direct Dial(731) 354-2107
Senior Director – Strategic Projects
BP Wind Energy NA Inc.
700 Louisiana
Street, 33RD Floor
Huston, TX 77002
Email: Peter .Gross@bp.com
Direct Dial(731) 354-2107
February 6, 2012.< Mr. Urban Hirschey Supervisor. Town of Cape Vincent PO Box 680. Cape Vincent, New York 3618 Dear Supervisor Hirschey: I am writing to inform you that BP wind energy has acquired the assets of the St. Lawrence wind farm and is now carrying out a detailed review of how best to merge these assets with BP's proposed Cape Vincent wind farm. By merging these assets under a single owner, BP creates greater flexibility to develop a project that generates significant economic benefits to the community and provides economies of scale that improve the competitiveness of the project in the power markets. At BP, throughout the planning stage of each new wind farm, we assess the potential social, environmental and conservation impacts of our projects and take steps to reduce impacts through engagement with the community, engineering design, technology and other elements. We look forward to continuing this process with the local communities of Cape Vincent, Lyme and throughout Jefferson County. We anticipate that an expanded Cape Vincent wind farm could produce approximately 200 megawatts(MW). This would require BP to invest in excess of $300 million. When operational, the expanded Cape Vincent wind farm would deliver an additional $1.7 million per year to be divided between the School District's the Town of Cape Vincent and the County. The project will pay lease and royalty payments to landowners, enabling them to supplement their income and remain stewards of their land. Approximately 250 - 300 workers would be employed at the peak of construction of the wind farm with workers, hired locally where possible, increasing the demand for local goods and services. Up to 15 permanent jobs will be created to monitor and maintain the wind facility when it becomes commercially operational. Together, we can make a Cape Vincent Wind Farm a win-win for the community and the environment. Please feel free to contact me at any time, and I will do my best to answer your questions. Sincerely, Peter Gross. Senior Director – Strategic Projects
Friday, February 3, 2012
Appellate court upholds dismissal of Galloo Island wind farm challenge
Link here to continue reading-- Appellate court upholds dismissal of Galloo Island wind farm challenge
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012
An appellate court has unanimously upheld a state Supreme Court judge’s dismissal of the town of Henderson’s legal challenge to a proposed wind farm on Galloo Island in the town of Hounsfield.
In a decision entered Tuesday, the state Appellate Division, Fourth Department, affirmed Judge Joseph D. McGuire’s August 2010 ruling that, among other things, determined that the Henderson Town Council lacked standing to bring an Article 78 action against the Hounsfield Planning Board in which Henderson sought to have the board’s site plan approval for Upstate NY Power Corp.’s planned wind turbine project annulled.
By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012
An appellate court has unanimously upheld a state Supreme Court judge’s dismissal of the town of Henderson’s legal challenge to a proposed wind farm on Galloo Island in the town of Hounsfield.
In a decision entered Tuesday, the state Appellate Division, Fourth Department, affirmed Judge Joseph D. McGuire’s August 2010 ruling that, among other things, determined that the Henderson Town Council lacked standing to bring an Article 78 action against the Hounsfield Planning Board in which Henderson sought to have the board’s site plan approval for Upstate NY Power Corp.’s planned wind turbine project annulled.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Cape Vincent Wind Controversy Takes A Personal Turn
Cape Vincent Wind Controversy Takes A Personal Turn WWNY TV 7 - News, Weather and Sports for Watertown, NY Local News
Story Published: Feb 2, 2012 at 6:19 AM EST
The fight over wind turbines in Cape Vincent is becoming personal.
The long-standing controversy there has historically focused on commercial wind development.
Some people say, however, that their individual plans for green energy are under fire.
Robert Shimp says he's the victim of a town board that invents it's own rules when it comes to wind power.
"They turned to be the real communists of Cape Vincent," he said, referring to the town board and, specifically, town Supervisor Urban Hirschey.
Hirschey sent Shimp a letter telling him to stop work on the single 46-foot wind turbine he is putting up on his property.
The letter says a moratorium on wind-related activities will be issued soon and that his permit for the turbine has been revoked.
"Cape Vincent has it's own set of rules. It's not America here," Shimp said.
Former town board member Marty Mason got a similar letter. He has a permit for a 100-foot tall turbine.
"I don't think this letter they sent me is legal," Mason said. "I don't think Urban can actually stop a project like this."
Alan Wood is the former zoning enforcement officer who was let go earlier this month. He says Hirschey is trying to enforce a rule that doesn't even exist.
"Hasn't even passed!" Wood said, "and how do they know it's going to pass? They seeing into the future or something?"
Hirschey was unavailable for comment.
Shimp has hired a lawyer and says he's not going to stop building his turbine.
"We're not going to stop on this," he said. "We're not gonna stop at all."
A public hearing on the moratorium is set for February 7. Shimp says you can bet he'll be there.
Story Published: Feb 2, 2012 at 6:19 AM EST
The fight over wind turbines in Cape Vincent is becoming personal.
The long-standing controversy there has historically focused on commercial wind development.
Some people say, however, that their individual plans for green energy are under fire.
Robert Shimp says he's the victim of a town board that invents it's own rules when it comes to wind power.
"They turned to be the real communists of Cape Vincent," he said, referring to the town board and, specifically, town Supervisor Urban Hirschey.
Hirschey sent Shimp a letter telling him to stop work on the single 46-foot wind turbine he is putting up on his property.
The letter says a moratorium on wind-related activities will be issued soon and that his permit for the turbine has been revoked.
"Cape Vincent has it's own set of rules. It's not America here," Shimp said.
Former town board member Marty Mason got a similar letter. He has a permit for a 100-foot tall turbine.
"I don't think this letter they sent me is legal," Mason said. "I don't think Urban can actually stop a project like this."
Alan Wood is the former zoning enforcement officer who was let go earlier this month. He says Hirschey is trying to enforce a rule that doesn't even exist.
"Hasn't even passed!" Wood said, "and how do they know it's going to pass? They seeing into the future or something?"
Hirschey was unavailable for comment.
Shimp has hired a lawyer and says he's not going to stop building his turbine.
"We're not going to stop on this," he said. "We're not gonna stop at all."
A public hearing on the moratorium is set for February 7. Shimp says you can bet he'll be there.
Cape Vincent supervisor keeps mum, attempts to meet with turbine owner in private
Link here to continue reading--Watertown Daily Times | Cape Vincent supervisor keeps mum, attempts to meet with turbine owner in private
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — Town supervisor Urban C. Hirschey, who told Robert A. Shimp to halt the installation of his 50-foot personal wind turbine in a Jan. 30 letter, attempted to talk things over with Mr. Shimp Wednesday following a Times report.
“I told him he’d have to talk to my lawyer,” Mr. Shimp said after a brief phone conversation with Mr. Hirschey, who apparently wanted to “sit down and talk.”
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — Town supervisor Urban C. Hirschey, who told Robert A. Shimp to halt the installation of his 50-foot personal wind turbine in a Jan. 30 letter, attempted to talk things over with Mr. Shimp Wednesday following a Times report.
“I told him he’d have to talk to my lawyer,” Mr. Shimp said after a brief phone conversation with Mr. Hirschey, who apparently wanted to “sit down and talk.”
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Cape Vincent man says town can’t stop him from erecting personal wind turbine
Link here to continue reading-- Watertown Daily Times | Cape Vincent man says town can’t stop him from erecting personal wind turbine
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The town wants to stop Robert A. Shimp from erecting a 50-foot personal wind turbine next to his 31699 County Route 6 home because it is “in the process” of enacting a moratorium on wind energy development.
But it has already approved the work.
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The town wants to stop Robert A. Shimp from erecting a 50-foot personal wind turbine next to his 31699 County Route 6 home because it is “in the process” of enacting a moratorium on wind energy development.
But it has already approved the work.
County planners review Cape Vincent’s wind-energy moratorium
Link here to continue reading-- Watertown Daily Times | County planners review Cape Vincent’s wind-energy moratorium
By CRAIG FOX
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012
A 7-month moratorium on all wind energy projects in the town of Cape Vincent took another step toward becoming a reality on Tuesday afternoon.
The Jefferson County Planning Board reviewed the proposed town-wide moratorium and sent it back to the town as a local concern.
By CRAIG FOX
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012
A 7-month moratorium on all wind energy projects in the town of Cape Vincent took another step toward becoming a reality on Tuesday afternoon.
The Jefferson County Planning Board reviewed the proposed town-wide moratorium and sent it back to the town as a local concern.
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