FOES WIN A ROUND IN WIND FARM TILT

July 14, 2006
FOES WIN A ROUND IN WIND FARM TILT
HEARING AT CAPE: COUNCIL TO ISSUE IMPACT DECLARATION BEFORE ZONING VOTE
Author: KELLY VADNEY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Edition: Both
Section: Jefferson
Page: A1
Dateline: CAPE VINCENT

Article Text:
After listening to over two hours of public comment, the Town Council agreed to issue a positive declaration of impact under the state Environmental Quality Review Act before voting on a new zoning law for wind power facilities.
The decision was a victory for residents and advocacy groups that have been seeking a moratorium on wind-farm development.
"We can't go through with this thing without knowing the answer to these questions," said Arthur D. Pundt, a seasonal resident who is a member of Wind Power Ethics Group, a citizen's organization that has been researching turbine development on its own.
The hearing brought 100 people to the Recreation Center on James street. Residents spoke both in favor of and in opposition to the law. Many expressed frustration in a lack of information and knowledge concerning wind power issues. It was the third public hearing the town has held concerning zoning for wind turbines.
The proposed zoning law prohibits commercial wind turbine development in the river front and lake front districts. It requires commercial wind power facilities to be set back 1,000 feet plus 1.5 times the tower height from the high water mark on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
If the distance of a setback requirement were to fall within the river front or lake front district, turbines would not be permitted.
Ethics group member Sarah F. Boss presented the Council with a petition from 140 members of the community and two 4-inch ring binders of scientific research for review.
Not all were opposed to the terms of the law. Many landowners who attended the meeting not only supported short setbacks from the river, but lashed out at WPEGs research strategies.
Pictures of Paul C. Mason's farm with turbines digitally imposed were used in an informational packet put together by the group.
"This is of personal offense to me," Mr. Mason said. "This is not a true picture." He said he contacted a lawyer, who advised him the use of the pictures was illegal.
Mr. Pundt, who composed the packet, acknowledged in a phone interview prior to the meeting that the pictures were not professionally produced.
Wind-farm opponents questioned everything from possible impacts on the environment, to the degree of tax breaks, to the impact on views along the river. Many continued to encourage a moratorium while more information is gathered.
"This is a big decision, a huge decision. This isn't like picking out curtains. Once you put these things up, they're going to be there," said Andrew J. Norris, a year-round resident who lives on Route 12E across from County Route 7. "I'm not opposed to wind towers, just give us a bigger setback."
Seasonal residents expressed feelings of frustration regarding not only a lack of information, but representation in their government. Many stated they pay taxes on their property all year long, and deserve to have their interests protected.
Farmer Jarvis H. Radley said the town should protect the interests of year-round residents.
"Most of these people here, money doesn't really matter," he said. "This affects my income, this affects my future."
Town Attorney Mark G. Gebo said he will begin drafting the positive declaration to proceed under the State Environmental Quality Review Act. After the public hearing, the board completed a SEQR worksheet in which they determined there may be significant environmental, health and safety risks involved with possible turbine development under the proposed law.
The next step will be to find a consultant to study the possible impacts of enacting the zoning law.
"There is a process to this. It isn't going to be quick. It's going to take some time," Mr. Gebo said. He may have the declaration complete by the council's August meeting.
Town Supervisor Thomas K Rienbeck said he thought it was the best decision for the town to make at the time.
Copyright, 2006, Johnson Newspaper Corporation
Record Number: 0607140135