By BRIAN KELLY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012
Several longtime residents of Cape Vincent who favor wind farm development have filed a defamation lawsuit against two local bloggers they claim have damaged their reputations by publishing false information about them.
Two of the plaintiffs, Marty T. Mason and Donald J. Mason, contend information published about them cost them seats on the Town Council in last fall’s election.
The state Supreme Court action filed Thursday at the Jefferson County clerk’s office is against Richard C. Wiley Sr., author of a blog at jeffersonleaningleft.blogspot.com, and Kathryn A. Hludzenski, author of pandorasboxofrocks.blogspot.com. Mr. Wiley and Mrs. Hludzenski declined comment on the action Thursday because they had not yet seen it.
Continue reading via this link to the Watertown Times
The plaintiffs in this suit are listed below
Harvey White
Donny Mason
Marty Mason
Gary King
Paul C. Mason
Darrell Burton
Marlene Burton
Frank J. Giaquinto.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
ReEnergy and loggers team up in biomass program in Lyons Falls
THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012
LYONS FALLS — ReEnergy Holdings recruited more than a dozen suppliers for its biomass facility here as more than 100 people attended Demo Day on Wednesday to watch wood chippers and learn about a new program offered to those in the logging industry.
By midday, 13 loggers had signed up for the program, which allows ReEnergy to purchase state-of-the-art wood chippers and enter a five-year contract with participating loggers.
Link below to continue reading
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Controversial Wind Power Law Closer to Passage
Controversial Wind Power Law Closer to Passage Story Published: Jul 21, 2012 at 7:15 PM EDT This story was reported by WWNY channel 7 TV. The story appears to have been removed from their website / additionally it appears their distorted video is no longer available .
Outside the Community House in Cape Vincent the scene was peaceful, quiet.
But inside, tempers flared:
"We've had enough, it's time to just let us function in our own lives as we want to," said Dennis Pearson, who is concerned with the proposed law.
"I am steamed...alright," said Richard Edsall, who is also concerned.
It was the town's second public hearing on a controversial proposed zoning law, designed to restrict the placement of wind turbines.
The law would keep the turbines over a mile a way from the village of Cape Vincent, all schools, and the Scenic Byway. It would also keep turbines at least two miles away from heavily populated areas. Vibration and sound would also be limited.
Town officials say restrictions are needed because Cape Vincent is a proposed site for a $300 million BP Wind Energy farm and town officials worry the company may try to go above them, to the state, to get their way.
"I think it's a wish list on their behalf, and I'm sure they would like to do that, but that doesn't mean it's going to be done," said Cape Vincent Town Supervisor Urban Hershey.
Calls to BP were not returned.
And while the goal for officials is to either limit or completely stop the wind farm, the proposed law has some residents worrying they'll be the ones feeling the pinch.
"You're making it more and more restrictive to people who operate here. If they want to go forward, whether it's to build a house, build a deck, apply for variances," Pearson said.
"You're going to have a tough time jumping to making me get a permit, or making any other farmer get a permit," Edsall said
And after Saturday's meeting, the plan is for officials to meet on August 1 and possibly vote on the zoning law. Residents tell 7 News that meeting is likely to be as heated as this one.
Outside the Community House in Cape Vincent the scene was peaceful, quiet.
But inside, tempers flared:
"We've had enough, it's time to just let us function in our own lives as we want to," said Dennis Pearson, who is concerned with the proposed law.
"I am steamed...alright," said Richard Edsall, who is also concerned.
It was the town's second public hearing on a controversial proposed zoning law, designed to restrict the placement of wind turbines.
The law would keep the turbines over a mile a way from the village of Cape Vincent, all schools, and the Scenic Byway. It would also keep turbines at least two miles away from heavily populated areas. Vibration and sound would also be limited.
Town officials say restrictions are needed because Cape Vincent is a proposed site for a $300 million BP Wind Energy farm and town officials worry the company may try to go above them, to the state, to get their way.
"I think it's a wish list on their behalf, and I'm sure they would like to do that, but that doesn't mean it's going to be done," said Cape Vincent Town Supervisor Urban Hershey.
Calls to BP were not returned.
And while the goal for officials is to either limit or completely stop the wind farm, the proposed law has some residents worrying they'll be the ones feeling the pinch.
"You're making it more and more restrictive to people who operate here. If they want to go forward, whether it's to build a house, build a deck, apply for variances," Pearson said.
"You're going to have a tough time jumping to making me get a permit, or making any other farmer get a permit," Edsall said
And after Saturday's meeting, the plan is for officials to meet on August 1 and possibly vote on the zoning law. Residents tell 7 News that meeting is likely to be as heated as this one.
BP hoping to bypass tough local limits proposed as Cape Vincent prepares to adopt new restrictions on wind farms
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — BP Wind Energy hopes to bypass strict local restrictions proposed for wind turbines and expedite the approval of its Cape Vincent Wind Farm by submitting an application to a state siting board under Article X of the 2011 Power NY Act.
Cape Vincent’s town government is preparing to adopt tougher rules on wind farms and plans to update its zoning law as soon as Aug. 1.
BP spokeswoman Amanda Abbott said in an email that the company already has a substantial investment in the project and that it is seeking an Article X process “that will facilitate its development and construction of the Cape Vincent Wind Farm.”
Link below to continue reading
link to original
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — BP Wind Energy hopes to bypass strict local restrictions proposed for wind turbines and expedite the approval of its Cape Vincent Wind Farm by submitting an application to a state siting board under Article X of the 2011 Power NY Act.
Cape Vincent’s town government is preparing to adopt tougher rules on wind farms and plans to update its zoning law as soon as Aug. 1.
BP spokeswoman Amanda Abbott said in an email that the company already has a substantial investment in the project and that it is seeking an Article X process “that will facilitate its development and construction of the Cape Vincent Wind Farm.”
Link below to continue reading
link to original
Friday, July 20, 2012
Hounsfield supervisor: PSC staff’s request for the dismissal of Galloo project ‘disturbing’
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012
After years of delays, the state Public Service Commission’s staff wants the Galloo Island Wind Farm transmission line application dismissed.
In a motion filed Tuesday, the PSC’s staff said the applicant, Upstate New York Power Corp., “has engaged in a series of delay tactics deliberately intended to keep the application on hold while the applicant seeks a market for its product.”
Lino to original
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012
After years of delays, the state Public Service Commission’s staff wants the Galloo Island Wind Farm transmission line application dismissed.
In a motion filed Tuesday, the PSC’s staff said the applicant, Upstate New York Power Corp., “has engaged in a series of delay tactics deliberately intended to keep the application on hold while the applicant seeks a market for its product.”
Lino to original
Cape Vincent farm to host Biomass event today
FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — Celtic Energy Farm, 27323 Fox Creek Road, will host a public event at 10 a.m. today to highlight the availability of funding for farmers through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. The USDA program provides financial assistance to landowners and producers who establish willow biomass crops in a nine-county region across Central and Northern New York state. Link below to continue reading
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Public Service Commission wants Galloo Island Project dismissed
THURSDAY, JULY 19,
After years of delays, the staff of the state Public Service Department wants the Galloo Island Wind Farm case dismissed.
In a motion filed Tuesday, the PSC’s staff said the applicant, Upstate New York Power Corp., “has engaged in a series of delay tactics deliberately intended to keep the application on hold while the applicant seeks a market for its product.”
And because “the continued pendency of this proceeding is an undue burden on landowners,” the staff requests that the proceeding for the approval of a 50.6-mile transmission line connecting Galloo Island to the Fitzpatrick-Edic Substation in town of Mexico, Oswego County, “be dismissed without prejudice.” Link below to continue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The story was first reported by WWNY-TV.
After years of delays, the staff of the state Public Service Department wants the Galloo Island Wind Farm case dismissed.
In a motion filed Tuesday, the PSC’s staff said the applicant, Upstate New York Power Corp., “has engaged in a series of delay tactics deliberately intended to keep the application on hold while the applicant seeks a market for its product.”
And because “the continued pendency of this proceeding is an undue burden on landowners,” the staff requests that the proceeding for the approval of a 50.6-mile transmission line connecting Galloo Island to the Fitzpatrick-Edic Substation in town of Mexico, Oswego County, “be dismissed without prejudice.” Link below to continue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The story was first reported by WWNY-TV.
The process, which was initiated in 2009 has been delayed several times at Upstate NY Power’s request.
“Several landowners expressed their frustration with the proceeding inquiring as to how much longer the case would be allowed to remain open. Those landowners also explained that they had not and would not continue to develop or improve their properties while this proceeding was ongoing,” the motion reads.
Most recently, company President Thomas L. Hagner asked Kevin J. Casutto, state Department of Public Service administrative law judge on the case, that the ruling be tabled for another six to nine months.
Because of the low price of electricity and uncertainties over whether tax credits for renewable energy projects will be extended, he said, the company’s investors are hesitant to move forward.
PSC spokesman James Denn said there is currently no schedule set for the ruling.
Link below to continue reading WDT story
PSC staff wants Galloo Island Wind Project case dismissed
Link below to continue reading WDT story
PSC staff wants Galloo Island Wind Project case dismissed
Monday, July 16, 2012
For some, green energy IS national, rational defense
From the Watertown Daily Times
Rough Draft By Bob Gorman
Link ~ For some, green energy IS national, rational defense
JULY 16, 2012: Upstate New York Power Corp. wants to erect wind turbines on Galloo Island. ReEnergy Holdings wants to retrofit a coal-fired generator so it can burn biomass. The renewable energy plans may be different, but the companies have one thing in common: they want to sell the energy they produce to Fort Drum.
In reality, what the two companies have most in common is that neither one has a contract to sell anything to anybody, particularly Uncle Sam.
The dance being played out here is part of a nationwide cotillion in which our military is trying to figure out how to go green without going in the red. As tax dollars dry up, cutting costs through efficiency is a no-brainer, although no one expects National Grid to be called to perform an energy audit on a Virginia class nuclear sub.
Rough Draft By Bob Gorman
Link ~ For some, green energy IS national, rational defense
JULY 16, 2012: Upstate New York Power Corp. wants to erect wind turbines on Galloo Island. ReEnergy Holdings wants to retrofit a coal-fired generator so it can burn biomass. The renewable energy plans may be different, but the companies have one thing in common: they want to sell the energy they produce to Fort Drum.
In reality, what the two companies have most in common is that neither one has a contract to sell anything to anybody, particularly Uncle Sam.
The dance being played out here is part of a nationwide cotillion in which our military is trying to figure out how to go green without going in the red. As tax dollars dry up, cutting costs through efficiency is a no-brainer, although no one expects National Grid to be called to perform an energy audit on a Virginia class nuclear sub.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Judge upholds Hammond wind law
link to read entire story --Judge upholds Hammond wind law
By AMANDA PURCELL
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012
State Supreme Court has dismissed the case that pitted five landowners against the town of Hammond over its wind turbine law.
According to court documents, Judge David R. Demarest sided with the town in the case, finding that its Wind Energy Facilities Law is part of a “well-considered and comprehensive plan which serves its residents” and is not arbitrary or capricious. The decision was dated June 26.
In 2011, one month after the 2009 law was amended, landowners Daniel I. and Michele W. McQueer, Steven S. Demick, William F. Hadlock and Crayton L. Buck filed the Article 78 petition, challenging the legality of the law and asking the court to review it. An Article 78 proceeding, named for its location in the state’s Civil Practice Law and Rules, can be used to challenge the official actions of municipalities and agencies.
The landowners and wind energy developer Iberdrola Renewables claimed the law specifically targeted landowners who already had contracts in place to build turbines on their property by creating undue restrictions on where the turbines may be placed.
By AMANDA PURCELL
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012
State Supreme Court has dismissed the case that pitted five landowners against the town of Hammond over its wind turbine law.
According to court documents, Judge David R. Demarest sided with the town in the case, finding that its Wind Energy Facilities Law is part of a “well-considered and comprehensive plan which serves its residents” and is not arbitrary or capricious. The decision was dated June 26.
In 2011, one month after the 2009 law was amended, landowners Daniel I. and Michele W. McQueer, Steven S. Demick, William F. Hadlock and Crayton L. Buck filed the Article 78 petition, challenging the legality of the law and asking the court to review it. An Article 78 proceeding, named for its location in the state’s Civil Practice Law and Rules, can be used to challenge the official actions of municipalities and agencies.
The landowners and wind energy developer Iberdrola Renewables claimed the law specifically targeted landowners who already had contracts in place to build turbines on their property by creating undue restrictions on where the turbines may be placed.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Port of Ogdensburg wind project nears completion
To read more ink to original--Port of Ogdensburg wind project nears completion
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012
After a flurry of activity over the past two months, the Port of Ogdensburg is readying for its last shipments of wind turbine components.
“There are two more trains coming in and one more ship,” said Wade A. Davis, executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. “We still have quite a bit of outbound cargo.”
Mr. Davis said the port expects its final ship between July 22 and 25.
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012
After a flurry of activity over the past two months, the Port of Ogdensburg is readying for its last shipments of wind turbine components.
“There are two more trains coming in and one more ship,” said Wade A. Davis, executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. “We still have quite a bit of outbound cargo.”
Mr. Davis said the port expects its final ship between July 22 and 25.
Article X abandons democratic principles
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012
Trying to understand the underlying motivations and implications of the state’s Article X energy policy, I revisited Lester Brown’s 2008 book “Plan B 3.0,” a compelling account of the imminent dangers facing our civilization and our world. Brown embraces the theory of man-made global warming and suggests a “great mobilization” aimed at creating a new global economy, with a warp- speed conversion to supposedly carbon-free renewable energy sources leading the way to environmental salvation.
His writings have become a holy grail to the environmental, political and corporate movement dedicated to the promotion of industrial-scale wind turbines and other alternative technologies. He asserts that our fate relies on individual commitment and participation on a global level.
Does Article X embody that philosophy, or is it an all-too-real manifestation of Orwell’s 1984 omnipresent and omnipotent “Big Brother”? Did Brown envision a society stripped of its ability to determine its own destiny by oppressive governmental intrusion, manipulated and compromised by corporate interests in the guise of environmental preservation? Did he envision a persistent pursuit of real science and logic to guide us on this quest, or did he envision the erosion of basic principles, such as objectivity, ethical conduct, sound economics, democracy, honesty, civility, neighborliness, fairness and trust, all leading to fractured communities?
Did he envision that duly elected representatives, at all levels, would willingly subvert our regulatory system, trample and manipulate existing guidelines for development, or that advocates for environmental justice would ignore or marginalize real-life threats that industrial-scale wind energy pose? Could he possibly have envisioned local leaders fearful to implement policies that adequately reflect and safeguard the values and assets of their own community? Did he honestly envision that we would embrace a technology as the solution to our global demise without objectively gauging its effectiveness, impact or cost? Could he have imagined citizens imploring state governments to usurp their constitutional rights for their own personal profit?
Article X represents an alarming abrogation of self-governance. It displays an arrogance of bureaucracy and reveals a disturbing glimpse of a society willing to abandon many of the fundamental principles that have shaped our history and thousands have died to preserve. I can’t believe the vision of Lester Brown and his avid followers embraces or accepts this departure from reason, principle and democratic process, if indeed it recognizes the inherent danger it manifests.
Article X must be opposed.
David LaMora
Cape Vincent
Trying to understand the underlying motivations and implications of the state’s Article X energy policy, I revisited Lester Brown’s 2008 book “Plan B 3.0,” a compelling account of the imminent dangers facing our civilization and our world. Brown embraces the theory of man-made global warming and suggests a “great mobilization” aimed at creating a new global economy, with a warp- speed conversion to supposedly carbon-free renewable energy sources leading the way to environmental salvation.
His writings have become a holy grail to the environmental, political and corporate movement dedicated to the promotion of industrial-scale wind turbines and other alternative technologies. He asserts that our fate relies on individual commitment and participation on a global level.
Does Article X embody that philosophy, or is it an all-too-real manifestation of Orwell’s 1984 omnipresent and omnipotent “Big Brother”? Did Brown envision a society stripped of its ability to determine its own destiny by oppressive governmental intrusion, manipulated and compromised by corporate interests in the guise of environmental preservation? Did he envision a persistent pursuit of real science and logic to guide us on this quest, or did he envision the erosion of basic principles, such as objectivity, ethical conduct, sound economics, democracy, honesty, civility, neighborliness, fairness and trust, all leading to fractured communities?
Did he envision that duly elected representatives, at all levels, would willingly subvert our regulatory system, trample and manipulate existing guidelines for development, or that advocates for environmental justice would ignore or marginalize real-life threats that industrial-scale wind energy pose? Could he possibly have envisioned local leaders fearful to implement policies that adequately reflect and safeguard the values and assets of their own community? Did he honestly envision that we would embrace a technology as the solution to our global demise without objectively gauging its effectiveness, impact or cost? Could he have imagined citizens imploring state governments to usurp their constitutional rights for their own personal profit?
Article X represents an alarming abrogation of self-governance. It displays an arrogance of bureaucracy and reveals a disturbing glimpse of a society willing to abandon many of the fundamental principles that have shaped our history and thousands have died to preserve. I can’t believe the vision of Lester Brown and his avid followers embraces or accepts this departure from reason, principle and democratic process, if indeed it recognizes the inherent danger it manifests.
Article X must be opposed.
David LaMora
Cape Vincent
Saturday, July 7, 2012
NYPA gives $6.6 million to SUNY Canton for wind turbine project
To read more ink to original--NYPA gives $6.6 million to SUNY Canton for wind turbine project
By CHRISTOPHER ROBBINS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012
CANTON — A wind power project may find its way to SUNY Canton’s campus in coming years.
The New York Power Authority has given $6.6 million to Northland Associates of Syracuse to study, design and possibly construct a campus wind turbine.
David Gerlach, SUNY Canton vice president for advancement, said the project has been in the works for some time.
By CHRISTOPHER ROBBINS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012
CANTON — A wind power project may find its way to SUNY Canton’s campus in coming years.
The New York Power Authority has given $6.6 million to Northland Associates of Syracuse to study, design and possibly construct a campus wind turbine.
David Gerlach, SUNY Canton vice president for advancement, said the project has been in the works for some time.
Galloo Island Wind Farm “on hold” for at least six months; low price of electricity cited
To read more ink to original-- Galloo Island Wind Farm “on hold” for at least six months; low price of electricity cited
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012
The all-time-low price of electricity has put wind energy projects in the U.S. — including the Galloo Island Wind Farm proposed in the town of Houns-field — on hold, according to Galloo’s developer.
“Electrical power prices are currently at an all-time low because of an oversupply of natural gas due to hydro-fracking. This has put wind energy projects on hold generally throughout the country, including the Galloo project,” said Thomas L. Hagner, president of Upstate New York Power Corp., in an email. “The entire U.S. wind energy industry is waiting to see when this turns around.”
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012
The all-time-low price of electricity has put wind energy projects in the U.S. — including the Galloo Island Wind Farm proposed in the town of Houns-field — on hold, according to Galloo’s developer.
“Electrical power prices are currently at an all-time low because of an oversupply of natural gas due to hydro-fracking. This has put wind energy projects on hold generally throughout the country, including the Galloo project,” said Thomas L. Hagner, president of Upstate New York Power Corp., in an email. “The entire U.S. wind energy industry is waiting to see when this turns around.”
Friday, July 6, 2012
Cape Vincent’s last pro-wind town councilman, Mickey Orvis, steps down
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2012
CAPE VINCENT – The town’s last pro-wind councilman, Mickey W. Orvis, has stepped down with more than a year left on his term.
In his letter of resignation submitted to the town clerk Tuesday, Mr. Orvis suggests that he has not been included in the decision-making process since the 2011 elections when, as seen by some observers, the anti-wind forces took power.
To read more ink to original-- Cape Vincent’s last pro-wind town councilman, Mickey Orvis, steps down
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2012
CAPE VINCENT – The town’s last pro-wind councilman, Mickey W. Orvis, has stepped down with more than a year left on his term.
In his letter of resignation submitted to the town clerk Tuesday, Mr. Orvis suggests that he has not been included in the decision-making process since the 2011 elections when, as seen by some observers, the anti-wind forces took power.
To read more ink to original-- Cape Vincent’s last pro-wind town councilman, Mickey Orvis, steps down
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Wind Company criticizes Cape’s draft zoning changes
Wind Company criticizes Cape’s draft zoning changes
From The Thousand Island Sun
By Pamela McDowell, staff writer
Cape Vincent – the draft of the updated zoning law was mostly praised, but also criticized during a public comment session held June 27.
Prior to the session, the committee received a letter from British Petroleum's director of development for wind energy, Richard Chandler, the letter stated, in part, that he feels the new restrictions set forth in the draft zoning law are unreasonably burdensome and highly restrictive.
The letter asks that the committee reconsider its recommendations.
With the vague threat of New York State taking over decisions on wind turbine sites under article X, town leaders feel that it is imperative to have an updated zoning and win law in place before the town imposed moratorium on wind development expires.
Most of the citizens choosing to speak thanked and complemented the 10 – person committee that has worked six hours each week since the beginning of the year on updating the full zoning law, which includes new specifications for industrial wind development.
While numerous aspects of zoning were laid out in the draft document, an underlying theme of the comments related to wind development, and issue that has caused a rift in Cape Vincent.
Dave La Mora commented that the issue of wind development has divided the town for the past six of the seven years that it's been considered.
Mr. LaMora referred to the fact that the room, even in the current meeting, was physically divided, with Pro – wind and anti-– wind on the opposite sides of the aisle.
He said the governmental procedures followed in the six – year. Were not consistent with the comprehensive plan and zoning laws and that they were practically ignored.
He warned the committee and community the Cape Vincent needs to follow the principles and goals that have become the plan for the community. He said relying on the comprehensive plan will allow for a fair government, which will enable the community to come back together.
“If we allow 400 or 500 – foot – high turbines to alter the landscape, it is not ‘mitigatable.’ We have to be sure to follow the comprehensive plan."
Like the draft zoning law, the draft comprehensive plan was also arrived at by the consensus of the committee, and it discourages industrial wind development in the town.
Paul Mason expressed his view that agriculture, which has been his family's way of life for several generations, has fallen to the wayside in the town's priorities, and the river and tourism have taken center stage.
He noted that the draft laws promote the preservation of the character of the town, and agriculture has also been part of the town's character.
Mr. Mason pointed out it is farm equipment makes a certain amount of noise and said, you're getting a little too restrictive on these issues."
He reminded the committee that a Zogby poll indicated that more residents were in favor of, rather than against, wind development.
“You’re actually shutting wind right out of the community," he said.
The draft zoning law calls for stricter setback distances and sound restrictions, as well as designating areas where wind turbines are prohibited.
Donald Metzger asked the committee to include standards for in for sound in the zoning law, as well as audible sound. He explained that in for sound is a sound that isn't really heard, but can be felt reverberating, even within buildings.
Another reoccurring topic was the issue of caste – office equipment and other items detracting from residential properties. Hester Chase said that she was an absolute agreement with the more than 90% of the recommended changes, but questions the judgment of what is considered to be valuable and what is considered to be junk. Ms. Chase explained that antiquated farm equipment on her property is often rebuilt for agricultural use or art.
Mike Bell commented on the ambiguity of the definition of lawn ornaments.
Town supervisor urban Hershey said to the panel," thank you for your tremendous effort. Change is inevitably painful and, at the same time, usually rewarding."
Committee spokesperson Bob Brown informed the public they each comment, including the 12 written comments that had been submitted, will be specifically considered by the committee, and modifications may be made to the draft law before it is presented to the town board.
The public comments will be made public, and the final edited draft will be available on the town website for viewing.
From The Thousand Island Sun
By Pamela McDowell, staff writer
Cape Vincent – the draft of the updated zoning law was mostly praised, but also criticized during a public comment session held June 27.
Prior to the session, the committee received a letter from British Petroleum's director of development for wind energy, Richard Chandler, the letter stated, in part, that he feels the new restrictions set forth in the draft zoning law are unreasonably burdensome and highly restrictive.
The letter asks that the committee reconsider its recommendations.
With the vague threat of New York State taking over decisions on wind turbine sites under article X, town leaders feel that it is imperative to have an updated zoning and win law in place before the town imposed moratorium on wind development expires.
Most of the citizens choosing to speak thanked and complemented the 10 – person committee that has worked six hours each week since the beginning of the year on updating the full zoning law, which includes new specifications for industrial wind development.
While numerous aspects of zoning were laid out in the draft document, an underlying theme of the comments related to wind development, and issue that has caused a rift in Cape Vincent.
Dave La Mora commented that the issue of wind development has divided the town for the past six of the seven years that it's been considered.
Mr. LaMora referred to the fact that the room, even in the current meeting, was physically divided, with Pro – wind and anti-– wind on the opposite sides of the aisle.
He said the governmental procedures followed in the six – year. Were not consistent with the comprehensive plan and zoning laws and that they were practically ignored.
He warned the committee and community the Cape Vincent needs to follow the principles and goals that have become the plan for the community. He said relying on the comprehensive plan will allow for a fair government, which will enable the community to come back together.
“If we allow 400 or 500 – foot – high turbines to alter the landscape, it is not ‘mitigatable.’ We have to be sure to follow the comprehensive plan."
Like the draft zoning law, the draft comprehensive plan was also arrived at by the consensus of the committee, and it discourages industrial wind development in the town.
Paul Mason expressed his view that agriculture, which has been his family's way of life for several generations, has fallen to the wayside in the town's priorities, and the river and tourism have taken center stage.
He noted that the draft laws promote the preservation of the character of the town, and agriculture has also been part of the town's character.
Mr. Mason pointed out it is farm equipment makes a certain amount of noise and said, you're getting a little too restrictive on these issues."
He reminded the committee that a Zogby poll indicated that more residents were in favor of, rather than against, wind development.
“You’re actually shutting wind right out of the community," he said.
The draft zoning law calls for stricter setback distances and sound restrictions, as well as designating areas where wind turbines are prohibited.
Donald Metzger asked the committee to include standards for in for sound in the zoning law, as well as audible sound. He explained that in for sound is a sound that isn't really heard, but can be felt reverberating, even within buildings.
Another reoccurring topic was the issue of caste – office equipment and other items detracting from residential properties. Hester Chase said that she was an absolute agreement with the more than 90% of the recommended changes, but questions the judgment of what is considered to be valuable and what is considered to be junk. Ms. Chase explained that antiquated farm equipment on her property is often rebuilt for agricultural use or art.
Mike Bell commented on the ambiguity of the definition of lawn ornaments.
Town supervisor urban Hershey said to the panel," thank you for your tremendous effort. Change is inevitably painful and, at the same time, usually rewarding."
Committee spokesperson Bob Brown informed the public they each comment, including the 12 written comments that had been submitted, will be specifically considered by the committee, and modifications may be made to the draft law before it is presented to the town board.
The public comments will be made public, and the final edited draft will be available on the town website for viewing.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
You may have heard Cape Vincent Town Board Member Mickey Orvis has resigned.
You may be thinking that this a good thing, but is it?
The timing of Mickey’s resignation does not leave very much of a window for a republican candidate to run for the position.
The issue at hand is that in order for a Republican candidate to be placed on the ballot there has to be enough time for petitions to be circulated in order to get on the ballot. The deadline for a petition to be submitted is July 12, that allows seven days for a candidate to decide they want to run and to gather signatures to be put on the ballot. (Seven days is legally considered enough time)
If Mickey had resigned seven days from now there would not be enough time to circulate a petition and the board could appoint a new board member to complete Mickey’s full term which ends January 14, 2014.
Do you think the Local Democrats have a candidate ready?
You may be thinking that this a good thing, but is it?
The timing of Mickey’s resignation does not leave very much of a window for a republican candidate to run for the position.
The issue at hand is that in order for a Republican candidate to be placed on the ballot there has to be enough time for petitions to be circulated in order to get on the ballot. The deadline for a petition to be submitted is July 12, that allows seven days for a candidate to decide they want to run and to gather signatures to be put on the ballot. (Seven days is legally considered enough time)
If Mickey had resigned seven days from now there would not be enough time to circulate a petition and the board could appoint a new board member to complete Mickey’s full term which ends January 14, 2014.
Do you think the Local Democrats have a candidate ready?
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