Thursday, January 24, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Town Board still weighing option in Lyme wind debate
Link not available~
Watch Jessica Cain’s report:
WWNY TV 7
12 January 2008
The Lyme Town Board says it needs some time to think before voting on a proposed local law regulating wind power.
The decision comes after a second public hearing on the proposed law Saturday.
At the public hearing it became clear the wind debate is no longer divided among those in favor or against wind power in the town.
The debate is now complicated by how far setbacks for turbines should be and whether another moratorium on wind power should be put in place.
The Town Board says it needs time to process all the opinions from the two public hearings held on the proposed law.
It took nearly two hours to read all the written opinions on the law before those who attended Saturday’s public hearing spoke.
When the public did get up to speak the opinions were all different.
A big issue in the proposed law are 4500 foot setbacks from the waterfront, the Chaumont river, and the villages of Chaumont and Three Mile Bay.
Newly elected Town Supervisor Scott Aubertine says the proposed local law and the wind power debate overall have made for many sleepless nights.
Aubertine would not say how long he felt the board needed before voting on the proposed law or making changes to it.
Watch Jessica Cain’s report:
WWNY TV 7
12 January 2008
Watch Jessica Cain’s report:
WWNY TV 7
12 January 2008
The Lyme Town Board says it needs some time to think before voting on a proposed local law regulating wind power.
The decision comes after a second public hearing on the proposed law Saturday.
At the public hearing it became clear the wind debate is no longer divided among those in favor or against wind power in the town.
The debate is now complicated by how far setbacks for turbines should be and whether another moratorium on wind power should be put in place.
The Town Board says it needs time to process all the opinions from the two public hearings held on the proposed law.
It took nearly two hours to read all the written opinions on the law before those who attended Saturday’s public hearing spoke.
When the public did get up to speak the opinions were all different.
A big issue in the proposed law are 4500 foot setbacks from the waterfront, the Chaumont river, and the villages of Chaumont and Three Mile Bay.
Newly elected Town Supervisor Scott Aubertine says the proposed local law and the wind power debate overall have made for many sleepless nights.
Aubertine would not say how long he felt the board needed before voting on the proposed law or making changes to it.
Watch Jessica Cain’s report:
WWNY TV 7
12 January 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Lyme proposal could kill wind power plans
Chanel
WWNY TV 7 link not available
11 January 2008
Is the wind power issue dead in the Jefferson County town of Lyme?
The proposed local law to regulate windmills would kill plans for BP Alternative Energy to put up as many as 60 turbines there.
Under the measure, turbines would have to be 4,500 feet away from the lake, the river and the villages of Chaumont and Three Mile Bay.
Within those areas there are limits as well.
“If it stays an ordinance as it’s currently written, BP could not build a wind farm in the town of Lyme,” said Jim Madden of BP Alternative Energy.
The town planning board said the proposed law is based on the results of a survey sent out to local residents.
“Those are the setbacks that we came up with. That’s what the people wanted and that’s what we put down,” said Judy Tyndell of the town planning board.
BP officials said they wouldn’t be surprised if the 4,500 foot setback plan is the most restrictive in New York state.
7 News took a look at several local laws across the state; no other town we found has setbacks as far as the town of Lyme’s proposal.
In addition, Lyme’s noise restrictions are a lot tougher.
The final public hearing on the issue of wind power will be held in Chaumont Saturday.
The proposal will either head toward town board approval or back to the drawing board.
WWNY TV 7
11 January 2008
WWNY TV 7 link not available
11 January 2008
Is the wind power issue dead in the Jefferson County town of Lyme?
The proposed local law to regulate windmills would kill plans for BP Alternative Energy to put up as many as 60 turbines there.
Under the measure, turbines would have to be 4,500 feet away from the lake, the river and the villages of Chaumont and Three Mile Bay.
Within those areas there are limits as well.
“If it stays an ordinance as it’s currently written, BP could not build a wind farm in the town of Lyme,” said Jim Madden of BP Alternative Energy.
The town planning board said the proposed law is based on the results of a survey sent out to local residents.
“Those are the setbacks that we came up with. That’s what the people wanted and that’s what we put down,” said Judy Tyndell of the town planning board.
BP officials said they wouldn’t be surprised if the 4,500 foot setback plan is the most restrictive in New York state.
7 News took a look at several local laws across the state; no other town we found has setbacks as far as the town of Lyme’s proposal.
In addition, Lyme’s noise restrictions are a lot tougher.
The final public hearing on the issue of wind power will be held in Chaumont Saturday.
The proposal will either head toward town board approval or back to the drawing board.
WWNY TV 7
11 January 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Chaumont ~ Public Debates Wind Energy
Link not available
1/07/08 ~ ?
By KELLY L. REYNOLDS
TlMES STAFF WRITER
Watertown Daily Times
CHAUMONT — More than 100 people both for and against wind power development crammed into the fire hall Saturday for the first of two public hearings on the town of Lyme’s proposed zoning ordinance for wind turbines.
Several comments at the three-hour meeting were followed by applause and some by boos, but Town Supervisor Scott G. Aubertine said after the hearing that he was pleased by the turnout and the willingness of the crowd to listen to differing opinions.
Continue reading via the [WDT archives]
1/07/08 ~ ?
By KELLY L. REYNOLDS
TlMES STAFF WRITER
Watertown Daily Times
CHAUMONT — More than 100 people both for and against wind power development crammed into the fire hall Saturday for the first of two public hearings on the town of Lyme’s proposed zoning ordinance for wind turbines.
Several comments at the three-hour meeting were followed by applause and some by boos, but Town Supervisor Scott G. Aubertine said after the hearing that he was pleased by the turnout and the willingness of the crowd to listen to differing opinions.
Continue reading via the [WDT archives]
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Watertown Daily Times (NY)
January 6, 2008
PUBLIC DEBATES WIND ENERGY
LYME HEARING: CROWD FOR, AGAINST DEVELOPMENT VOICES OPINIONS ON ZONING
Author: KELLY L. REYNOLDS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Edition: Both
Section: Jefferson
Page: B1
Dateline: CHAUMONT
Estimated printed pages: 4
Article Text:
More than 100 people both for and against wind power development crammed into the fire hall Saturday for the first of two public hearings on the town of Lyme's proposed zoning ordinance for wind turbines.
Several comments at the three-hour meeting were followed by applause and some by boos, but Town Supervisor Scott G. Aubertine said after the hearing that he was pleased by the turnout and the willingness of the crowd to listen to differing opinions.
"This turnout shows a lot of care and concerns of the people," he said. "They have a lot of very valid questions and concerns, so after the meetings the board will digest all of it and make a decision."
BP Alternative Energy is proposing the Cape Vincent Wind Farm in the towns of Cape Vincent and Lyme, with 90 to 140 wind turbines. The Town Council extended the moratorium on wind farm development in November until the end of January. The original six-month moratorium was developed in April and later extended through November.
Dawn M. Munk, Three Mile Bay, is a member of the group Voters for Wind and spoke on why she thinks the setbacks in the ordinance are too restrictive. The ordinance says that a turbine may not be placed within 4,500 feet from Lake Ontario, the Chaumont River, the village of Chaumont boundary line and the hamlet of Three Mile Bay boundary line.
"If this goes through the way it is, it would be three times the setback in any other wind farm in the state," Mrs. Munk said. "It would be two times the noise regulations of any other in the state. I am disappointed in the way the town board and Planning Board have handled this. We have such an abundance of wind here, and it's not something we have to drill or mine. We just have to harness it. We do not need another moratorium; we need action."
Scott C. Discount and Seann A. Coffee recently bought a parcel of land in the town and are building a year-round residence. Mr. Discount said if he had known about the wind power proposal, he would not have moved to the area.
"We came up here for the absolute beauty of the area," he said. "That goes away with wind farms. I think the setbacks should be increased and you should have a longer moratorium. I came here to invest in my future, and now I want to protect that investment."
James A. Oxenford, Three Mile Bay, also is worried about how the placement of turbines would affect the town's character.
"Why place a noisemaker in the quiet country?" he said. "Why put tall towers in a low area? I think we're looking cheap and easy. We wouldn't be getting much compensation for what we would get taken away from us."
Daniel J. Villa, Three Mile Bay, said he is in favor of wind farms but also thinks the regulations are fine as submitted.
"We have to look at this whole piece and see the impact this will have on our town," he said. "I'm in favor of development in the town of Lyme, and I support the regulations as they are."
William A. Brown, also a member of Voters for Wind, is opposed to such restrictive setbacks and showed a map of his property at the meeting. One parcel is 844 acres. Without the setback regulations, he said, he could have 21 wind towers on that property. With all the setbacks, he said, the Planning Board told him he could have two.
His second parcel is 298 acres and would be able to accommodate seven towers without setbacks. With them, he said, none would be allowed.
James H. Madden, BP Alternative Energy's project manager for the project, said his job is to work with the town to address questions and concerns.
"I've been talking to residents, and I've seen the survey, and I do not think this is what the residents want," he said, referring to the wind power survey circulated by the town this past summer. The survey results show 52 percent of property owners in Lyme support wind turbine development, 27 percent were not in favor and 20 percent needed more information. About 37 percent said they would support the development but didn't want turbines in their neighborhoods.
"A wind farm would not be possible under this ordinance and I cannot imagine any wind developer would be able to support a development with this ordinance," Mr. Madden said.
The second and final public meeting on the proposed zoning ordinance will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Chaumont Fire Hall.
Caption:
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Memo:
PROPOSED REGULATIONS
The Lyme Town Council recently drafted a zoning ordinance for the proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm Project that would place 90 to 140 turbines in Cape Vincent and the Town of Lyme. Highlights include:
* Any wind energy conversion system, or turbine, must be set back a minimum of 4,500 feet from the high water mark of Lake Ontario, the Chaumont River, the village of Chaumont boundary line and the hamlet of Three Mile Bay boundary line
* No turbine can be more than 500 feet tall.
* The minumum distance from any public road, the nearest edge of the Wind Overlay District (the area within the project where no turbines are permitted) or any residence or non-turbine structure that a turbine can be erected is 2.5 times the total height of the turbine. If a turbine is 500 feet tall, that would mean it would be at least 1,250 feet away from any of the above.
* A turbine must be placed at least the tower height plus 10 percent from any non-turbine above-ground utilities within the project boundary.
* A turbine must be at least 500 feet from state-identified wetlands or state-identified bodies of water.
* The noise generated by a turbine cannot exceed background noise plus 5 decibels when measured at the nearest property line, school, hospital, church or public building.
* All power cables and lines from the tower to any building or other structure must be underground.
LYME HEARING: CROWD FOR, AGAINST DEVELOPMENT VOICES OPINIONS ON ZONING
Author: KELLY L. REYNOLDS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Edition: Both
Section: Jefferson
Dateline: CHAUMONT
~~~~~~~~~~~~
PROPOSED REGULATIONS
Saturday, January 5, 2008
WIND FARM ADVOCATES PREPARE FOR LYME HEARING
Watertown Daily Times (NY)
January 5, 2008
WIND FARM ADVOCATES PREPARE FOR LYME HEARING
Author: KELLY L. REYNOLDS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Edition: Both
Section: Jefferson
Page: B3
Dateline: THREE MILE BAY
Article Text:
About 30 members of Voters for Wind gathered at the fire hall Friday night to organize the opinions they will share at the town public hearing today and to gather more information on the wind turbine zoning regulations recently drafted by the Lyme Town Council.
Public hearings on the regulations are scheduled for 1 p.m. today and Jan. 12 at the Chaumont Fire Hall, but many residents are still unsure of exactly what the ordinance entails, said Marion Trieste, of Green Energy Outreach Services, based in Saratoga Springs, and a contractor for BP Alternative Energy.
[Continue reading Via WDT archives]
January 5, 2008
WIND FARM ADVOCATES PREPARE FOR LYME HEARING
Author: KELLY L. REYNOLDS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Edition: Both
Section: Jefferson
Page: B3
Dateline: THREE MILE BAY
Article Text:
About 30 members of Voters for Wind gathered at the fire hall Friday night to organize the opinions they will share at the town public hearing today and to gather more information on the wind turbine zoning regulations recently drafted by the Lyme Town Council.
Public hearings on the regulations are scheduled for 1 p.m. today and Jan. 12 at the Chaumont Fire Hall, but many residents are still unsure of exactly what the ordinance entails, said Marion Trieste, of Green Energy Outreach Services, based in Saratoga Springs, and a contractor for BP Alternative Energy.
[Continue reading Via WDT archives]
January 5, 2008
WIND FARM ADVOCATES PREPARE FOR LYME HEARING
Author: KELLY L. REYNOLDS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Edition: Both
Section: Jefferson
Page: B3
Dateline: THREE MILE BAY
Estimated printed pages: 2
Article Text:
About 30 members of Voters for Wind gathered at the fire hall Friday night to organize the opinions they will share at the town public hearing today and to gather more information on the wind turbine zoning regulations recently drafted by the Lyme Town Council.
Public hearings on the regulations are scheduled for 1 p.m. today and Jan. 12 at the Chaumont Fire Hall, but many residents are still unsure of exactly what the ordinance entails, said Marion Trieste, of Green Energy Outreach Services, based in Saratoga Springs, and a contractor for BP Alternative Energy.
BP Alternative Energy is proposing the Cape Vincent Wind Farm in Cape Vincent and Lyme, with 90 to 140 wind turbines. Lyme's moratorium on wind farm development will be lifted at the end of the month.
"I see people out here on a cold Friday night to hear their questions answered, and I think that's what makes a local government work," Ms. Trieste said. "Tomorrow, they're going to go to the public hearing and be able to talk about things they understand."
Voters for Wind is a citizens group that meets monthly and promotes the wind farm. Much of the discussion at Friday's meeting revolved around the distance turbines would be required to be set back from Lake Ontario and from neighboring property lines, and regulations on the noise level of turbines.
Ms. Trieste said the ordinance calls for turbines to be set back 4,500 feet, or more than five-sixths of a mile, from the lake, which, combined with other setbacks, would leave virtually no space in Lyme for turbines.
"This is the most restrictive ordinance that I've ever seen in the state," she said.
Some people at the meeting wondered why the town would create such restrictive regulations when many residents expressed interest in ample turbine development in a wind power survey circulated in Lyme in the summer.
"The survey shows that a majority is in favor of wind farms," Ms. Trieste said. "If you have that majority, you would expect your Town Council to submit a plan that's far less restrictive than this is."
Guy E. Gosier, a Voters for Wind member, also brought up the positive aspects of placing wind turbines in the town.
"You could bring the town $300,000 and that would cut taxes and it would create 65 jobs," he said.
Ms. Trieste said her goal for the public meetings in the next week is to bring out all residents to voice their opinions.
"It's a great project, and wind is such a great resource," she said. "There are so many misconceptions about wind power that are based on fear and not facts."
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Edition: Both
Section: Jefferson
Dateline: THREE MILE BAY
Estimated printed pages: 2
Article Text:
Lyme residents, BP Energy speak on proposed windmill setbacks
link not available~
report:
WWNYTV
5 January 2008
More than one hundred people showed up Saturday to a public hearing on a proposed change to local law that regulates windmills in the Town of Lyme.
The proposal before the town board includes setbacks of 4500 feet from Lake Ontario and the Chaumont River.
People at Saturday’s public hearing were on both sides of the wind debate.
Also at the public hearing was a representative from BP Energy which wants to build wind turbines in the town.
BP Energy’s representative told the town board the 4500 foot setbacks is too restrictive and if passed BP would no longer want to put wind turbines in the the Town of Lyme.
Those in favor of the proposed setbacks say its far enough to cut down on the noise each windmill makes.
5 January 2008
report:
WWNYTV
5 January 2008
More than one hundred people showed up Saturday to a public hearing on a proposed change to local law that regulates windmills in the Town of Lyme.
The proposal before the town board includes setbacks of 4500 feet from Lake Ontario and the Chaumont River.
People at Saturday’s public hearing were on both sides of the wind debate.
Also at the public hearing was a representative from BP Energy which wants to build wind turbines in the town.
BP Energy’s representative told the town board the 4500 foot setbacks is too restrictive and if passed BP would no longer want to put wind turbines in the the Town of Lyme.
Those in favor of the proposed setbacks say its far enough to cut down on the noise each windmill makes.
5 January 2008
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Cape Planning Board Accepts BP's DEIS
Transcript of PB minutes 12/19/2007
December 19, 2007
members present: chairman Edsall, Georgia mingle, Tom Ingersoll, Andy Biinsley
absent: Karen Bourcy
chairman Edsall began the meeting with asking if planning board members have comments on the draft environmental impact statement that had been delivered to the planning board by BP alternative energy for their Cape Vincent wind project.
Member Binsley commented any would like to see more pictures taken from the center of the project. The Huff Road, Bedford corner's area).
Chairman Edsall remarked that, Bernier Carr had sent a letter commenting on the DEIS. Mr. Edsall also remarked that there would be more studies, forthcoming and that this is just a " draft" document. There was a discussion of supplemental sound studies.
Member Bourcy arrived 7:05 PM.
Chairman Edsall asked the Lord. If the document met the standard to start the public review process. He stated again that is not a complete document, it is a " draft" document.
Member Ingersoll made a motion to accept the attached resolution per 6NYCCR617.9. Member Mingle made the second.
The results of the vote were:
chairman Edsall abstain Ingersoll, yes Binsley yes Bourcy yes, Mingle, yes, the resolution passes.
Edsall announced that the public comment period for the document would enter February 29, 2008 at the close of the mail day. There would be no e-mail or fax comments accepted. Local, would be accepted only at the public hearing. The public hearing will be January 26, 2008 at recreation Park, James St., Cape Vincent, from 9 AM to noon. A sign- in sheet would be used to establish the order of speakers. Each speaker would be allowed 3 min. If time allowed, each person would be given an additional 3 min. after the list has been followed the first time. Mr. Jim Madden, representing BP alternative would be given limited time at the beginning of the meeting to it introduce his project.
Comments would be restricted to the DEIS. Comments concerning proposed pilot agreements, or contracts to protect roads, for example, would not be relevant at the time and would not therefore be accepted.
Chairman Edsall outlined the process for public comment concerning the DEIS. There would be one public hearing in January on the DEIS. Because the he did a scoping document. There would only be one hearing on the DEIS there will be a second hearing a final EIS is produced. There would be a third hearing. If the project proceeds to the site plan review process.
Mr. Madden was structured to deliver one copy of the DEIS student Town Clerk, as well as the Bernier Carr comment letter. Two. Copies were to be delivered to the Cape Vincent community library one copy was to go to the lyme free library. Other copies were to be delivered to the other involved agencies previously identified. Mr. Madden was to see that the TEC received their copy in me appropriate office. BP is also to have the document on a website and " up and running." by December 28, 2007. Mr. Madden is to get a signed receipt for all books placed as well as any supplements that are added at a later date.
Chairman Edsall explained that the planning board will review all the comments received separate area list of items that need attention. If at the time of the final EIS. There are still deficient items, there will be an additional public hearing.
Mr. Madden explained that there was no array map in the DEIS. He explained that BP has not yet made a decision as to which specific turbines would be used in this project. I until that decision is made, it is not practical to develop a map that indicates the space between turbines or their placement. When the map is produced, it will be made available to the planning board and the public in the placed with the DEIS. He will notify the planning board when the map is available.
After a question from the audience about the lack of information, chairman Edsall explained again that, by law, the planning board was obligated to bring in the public review process and the public should feel free to comment on the other sections of the document.
Another audience member asked where the supplemental documents would be placed and how would the public be notified that they were available. Mr. Madden said that they would be placed at the usual location and beheaded in to the planning board. He asked the address of the website. He said that it would be a link from the BP alternative energy.com site.
Member Ingersoll made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Member mingle made the second. All were in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resolved, that the document " draft environmental impact statement" " DEIS" submitted by Cape Vincent wind power project (BP alternative energy North America, Incorporated.) Is complete. It is ," complete"
in that it is adequate with respect to its scope and content for the purposes of commencing public review.
Per 6 NYC RR 617.9
Edsall – abstain
Ingersoll – yes.
Binsley – yes.
Mingle – yes.
December 19, 2007
December 19, 2007
members present: chairman Edsall, Georgia mingle, Tom Ingersoll, Andy Biinsley
absent: Karen Bourcy
chairman Edsall began the meeting with asking if planning board members have comments on the draft environmental impact statement that had been delivered to the planning board by BP alternative energy for their Cape Vincent wind project.
Member Binsley commented any would like to see more pictures taken from the center of the project. The Huff Road, Bedford corner's area).
Chairman Edsall remarked that, Bernier Carr had sent a letter commenting on the DEIS. Mr. Edsall also remarked that there would be more studies, forthcoming and that this is just a " draft" document. There was a discussion of supplemental sound studies.
Member Bourcy arrived 7:05 PM.
Chairman Edsall asked the Lord. If the document met the standard to start the public review process. He stated again that is not a complete document, it is a " draft" document.
Member Ingersoll made a motion to accept the attached resolution per 6NYCCR617.9. Member Mingle made the second.
The results of the vote were:
chairman Edsall abstain Ingersoll, yes Binsley yes Bourcy yes, Mingle, yes, the resolution passes.
Edsall announced that the public comment period for the document would enter February 29, 2008 at the close of the mail day. There would be no e-mail or fax comments accepted. Local, would be accepted only at the public hearing. The public hearing will be January 26, 2008 at recreation Park, James St., Cape Vincent, from 9 AM to noon. A sign- in sheet would be used to establish the order of speakers. Each speaker would be allowed 3 min. If time allowed, each person would be given an additional 3 min. after the list has been followed the first time. Mr. Jim Madden, representing BP alternative would be given limited time at the beginning of the meeting to it introduce his project.
Comments would be restricted to the DEIS. Comments concerning proposed pilot agreements, or contracts to protect roads, for example, would not be relevant at the time and would not therefore be accepted.
Chairman Edsall outlined the process for public comment concerning the DEIS. There would be one public hearing in January on the DEIS. Because the he did a scoping document. There would only be one hearing on the DEIS there will be a second hearing a final EIS is produced. There would be a third hearing. If the project proceeds to the site plan review process.
Mr. Madden was structured to deliver one copy of the DEIS student Town Clerk, as well as the Bernier Carr comment letter. Two. Copies were to be delivered to the Cape Vincent community library one copy was to go to the lyme free library. Other copies were to be delivered to the other involved agencies previously identified. Mr. Madden was to see that the TEC received their copy in me appropriate office. BP is also to have the document on a website and " up and running." by December 28, 2007. Mr. Madden is to get a signed receipt for all books placed as well as any supplements that are added at a later date.
Chairman Edsall explained that the planning board will review all the comments received separate area list of items that need attention. If at the time of the final EIS. There are still deficient items, there will be an additional public hearing.
Mr. Madden explained that there was no array map in the DEIS. He explained that BP has not yet made a decision as to which specific turbines would be used in this project. I until that decision is made, it is not practical to develop a map that indicates the space between turbines or their placement. When the map is produced, it will be made available to the planning board and the public in the placed with the DEIS. He will notify the planning board when the map is available.
After a question from the audience about the lack of information, chairman Edsall explained again that, by law, the planning board was obligated to bring in the public review process and the public should feel free to comment on the other sections of the document.
Another audience member asked where the supplemental documents would be placed and how would the public be notified that they were available. Mr. Madden said that they would be placed at the usual location and beheaded in to the planning board. He asked the address of the website. He said that it would be a link from the BP alternative energy.com site.
Member Ingersoll made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Member mingle made the second. All were in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resolved, that the document " draft environmental impact statement" " DEIS" submitted by Cape Vincent wind power project (BP alternative energy North America, Incorporated.) Is complete. It is ," complete"
in that it is adequate with respect to its scope and content for the purposes of commencing public review.
Per 6 NYC RR 617.9
Edsall – abstain
Ingersoll – yes.
Binsley – yes.
Mingle – yes.
December 19, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
FOREIGN-OWNED COMPANIES DESTROYING DREAMS
Published
November 15, 2007
Watertown Times
Section letters
What makes America the greatest country in the
world is being able to live your own American dream, something that you've
worked for, no matter the size.
Most of us
work a lifetime to achieve our goals. One dream for some of us brought up in
the north country is to spend our winters in a warmer, gentler climate and our
summers in one of the best-kept secrets of the north - on the lakes, bays and
rivers of north Jefferson County.
But when the
state, with the help of a few local landowners, decides to turn the pristine
areas into industrial wind complexes, all our lives are forever changed. I have
the greatest respect for our local farmers, as I worked for a couple of them
for nearly 10 years as a kid while living on the shores of Three Mile Bay
during the summer.
Wind History ~ 2007~ DEC GRANNIS rejects Lyme's plea for lead agency for bp's Cape Wind
This is a continuation of the timeline sent to me by
November 15, 2007:
NYSDEC Commissioner Grannis writes Towns of Lyme and Cape Vincent regarding his decision on Lyme’s lead-agency dispute over BP Project. Cape Planning Board claimed lead-agency status within the Town of Lyme because Lyme PB did not respond within 30 days to Cape’s request for lead-agency status. Grannis rejects Lyme’s plea to have lead-agency authority over that portion of the BP Cape-Lyme project within its bounds. It remains to be understood, however, whether Commissioner Grannis was aware of Edsall’s financial ties to BP and the potential conflicts of two other members of the Cape Planning Board. Moreover, if he had been known about these conflicts, would this have changed his findings in this dispute.
November 15, 2007:
NYSDEC Commissioner Grannis writes Towns of Lyme and Cape Vincent regarding his decision on Lyme’s lead-agency dispute over BP Project. Cape Planning Board claimed lead-agency status within the Town of Lyme because Lyme PB did not respond within 30 days to Cape’s request for lead-agency status. Grannis rejects Lyme’s plea to have lead-agency authority over that portion of the BP Cape-Lyme project within its bounds. It remains to be understood, however, whether Commissioner Grannis was aware of Edsall’s financial ties to BP and the potential conflicts of two other members of the Cape Planning Board. Moreover, if he had been known about these conflicts, would this have changed his findings in this dispute.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Cape Vincent race centers on wind power
2 November 2007
Wind power has turned the race for Cape Vincent town supervisor into perhaps the most contentious and controversial political campaign in the North Country.
“Everybody’s chosen sides. You’re either for windmills or you’re against windmills,” said local resident Harvey White.
The race for supervisor pits four-term Democratic incumbent Thomas Rienbeck against Republican John DeFrancesco.
Both support wind power development for the town.
However, the candidates’ political signs have been defaced or stolen.
There have been accusations of conflicts of interest and allegations of dirty politics.
Then there’s the Wind Power Ethics Group, which is suing the town zoning board.
The suit challenges the town’s zoning law that allows windmills within agricultural and residential zones.
“Had it not been for outside pressures of this anti-wind power group, there would be zoning regulations in place in Cape Vincent today,” said Rienbeck.
Some members of the Wind Power Ethics Group have backed DeFrancesco, who said he also has the votes of wind power supporters, Republicans and even Democrats.
“I’m for wind turbines, but they have to be done correctly. If they’re not done correctly and we don’t have good leadership, we will not reach the potential and it’ll be a disaster for us,” said DeFrancesco.
Wind power is also affecting certain members of the town council, who have been advised to abstain from voting on wind farm development due to conflicts of interest.
Two of the council members are seeking reelection and are being challenged by candidates who say they have no conflicts of interest.
“The whole atmosphere of Cape Vincent is one of community and that’s what I hope we get back to after the situation is resolved here,” said local resident Mary Hamilton.
wwnytv.net link to article not available
2 November 2007
Wind power has turned the race for Cape Vincent town supervisor into perhaps the most contentious and controversial political campaign in the North Country.
“Everybody’s chosen sides. You’re either for windmills or you’re against windmills,” said local resident Harvey White.
The race for supervisor pits four-term Democratic incumbent Thomas Rienbeck against Republican John DeFrancesco.
Both support wind power development for the town.
However, the candidates’ political signs have been defaced or stolen.
There have been accusations of conflicts of interest and allegations of dirty politics.
Then there’s the Wind Power Ethics Group, which is suing the town zoning board.
The suit challenges the town’s zoning law that allows windmills within agricultural and residential zones.
“Had it not been for outside pressures of this anti-wind power group, there would be zoning regulations in place in Cape Vincent today,” said Rienbeck.
Some members of the Wind Power Ethics Group have backed DeFrancesco, who said he also has the votes of wind power supporters, Republicans and even Democrats.
“I’m for wind turbines, but they have to be done correctly. If they’re not done correctly and we don’t have good leadership, we will not reach the potential and it’ll be a disaster for us,” said DeFrancesco.
Wind power is also affecting certain members of the town council, who have been advised to abstain from voting on wind farm development due to conflicts of interest.
Two of the council members are seeking reelection and are being challenged by candidates who say they have no conflicts of interest.
“The whole atmosphere of Cape Vincent is one of community and that’s what I hope we get back to after the situation is resolved here,” said local resident Mary Hamilton.
wwnytv.net link to article not available
2 November 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
CHAIR OF GOP CONSIDERS RESIGNING
Published: October 30, 2007
Watertown Daily Times
CHAIR OF GOP CONSIDERS RESIGNING
CAPE VINCENT RACES: MASON SAYS ELECTION ATMOSPHERE IS TAXING
By KELLY VADNEY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
CAPE VINCENT -- The chairman of the town's Republican Committee is contemplating resignation.
Marty T. Mason, who is also a town councilman seeking re-election, said the atmosphere surrounding political races this year is enough to push him from his post.
"I'm frustrated with the whole election," he said. "I'm counting the minutes down."
Wind farm development has been the major issue in the races for supervisor and Town Council.
Continue reading via the [WDT archives]
Watertown Daily Times
CHAIR OF GOP CONSIDERS RESIGNING
CAPE VINCENT RACES: MASON SAYS ELECTION ATMOSPHERE IS TAXING
By KELLY VADNEY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
CAPE VINCENT -- The chairman of the town's Republican Committee is contemplating resignation.
Marty T. Mason, who is also a town councilman seeking re-election, said the atmosphere surrounding political races this year is enough to push him from his post.
"I'm frustrated with the whole election," he said. "I'm counting the minutes down."
Wind farm development has been the major issue in the races for supervisor and Town Council.
Continue reading via the [WDT archives]
Sunday, October 28, 2007
WIND POWER DRIVING ISSUE IN CAPE VINCENT
Wind Power Driving Issue in Cape Race
Conflicts Alleged: Two Town Council Candidates Have Contract
Wind Farm Turbine Developer
October 28,2007
by Kelly Vadney
Times staff writer
Cape Vincent – – it's not just wind power, but charges of
conflicts of interest regarding wind farm development, that are fueling a four
– way race for two open Town Council seats.
Incumbents Marty T. Mason, a Republican and Donald J Mason,
a Democrat, who are not related, are seeking re-– election. They are being
challenged by Republican Gregory L. Hopple. Former town Councilman Clifford P
Schneider, an independent, is running as a right – in.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
VOTERS FOR WIND BACKS PROJECT IN CAPE VINCENT
Watertown Daily Times (NY)
October 14, 2007
VOTERS FOR WIND BACKS PROJECT IN CAPE VINCENT
Author: KELLY VADNEY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Edition: Both
Section: Jefferson
Page: B5
Dateline: CHAUMONT
Article Text:
A new citizens group that supports wind power made its public debut Saturday at an open house for the Cape Vincent Wind Farm.
Voters for Wind has been meeting quietly in Three Mile Bay since June, according to Chairwoman Beth A. White. There are about 20 people in the group, she said.
"We thought this open house was a perfect forum for us to start promoting our group," Mrs. White said.
The group's mission is to promote the Cape Vincent Wind Farm. While Voters for Wind is concerned only with the proposal put forward by BP Alternative Energy, it may one day expand its mission statement to include supporting other wind farms, Mrs. White said.
There are three wind farm proposals in Jefferson County. The St. Lawrence Wind Farm and Cape Vincent Wind Farm are both in Cape Vincent. Horse Creek Wind Farm would cross town lines between Clayton and Orleans.
[Continue via WDT archives]
October 14, 2007
VOTERS FOR WIND BACKS PROJECT IN CAPE VINCENT
Author: KELLY VADNEY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
Edition: Both
Section: Jefferson
Page: B5
Dateline: CHAUMONT
Article Text:
A new citizens group that supports wind power made its public debut Saturday at an open house for the Cape Vincent Wind Farm.
Voters for Wind has been meeting quietly in Three Mile Bay since June, according to Chairwoman Beth A. White. There are about 20 people in the group, she said.
"We thought this open house was a perfect forum for us to start promoting our group," Mrs. White said.
The group's mission is to promote the Cape Vincent Wind Farm. While Voters for Wind is concerned only with the proposal put forward by BP Alternative Energy, it may one day expand its mission statement to include supporting other wind farms, Mrs. White said.
There are three wind farm proposals in Jefferson County. The St. Lawrence Wind Farm and Cape Vincent Wind Farm are both in Cape Vincent. Horse Creek Wind Farm would cross town lines between Clayton and Orleans.
[Continue via WDT archives]
Protesters turn out at Cape Vincent wind farm open house
link not available~
By Kelly Vadney
Watertown Daily Times
14 October 2007
The Cape Vincent Wind Farm’s open house Saturday was as much a forum for protest as it was a pursuit of information.
Dozens of residents attended the open house put on by BP Alternative Energy, the company that has proposed the wind farm. Many attendees used the event not only to glean information, but to express their opinions about wind power.
Inside the Chaumont fire hall, Voters for Wind, a citizens group that promotes the Cape Vincent Wind Farm, held a bake sale and handed out pro-wind-farm signs and refrigerator magnets.
[Continue reading via the WDT archives]
By Kelly Vadney
Watertown Daily Times
14 October 2007
The Cape Vincent Wind Farm’s open house Saturday was as much a forum for protest as it was a pursuit of information.
Dozens of residents attended the open house put on by BP Alternative Energy, the company that has proposed the wind farm. Many attendees used the event not only to glean information, but to express their opinions about wind power.
Inside the Chaumont fire hall, Voters for Wind, a citizens group that promotes the Cape Vincent Wind Farm, held a bake sale and handed out pro-wind-farm signs and refrigerator magnets.
[Continue reading via the WDT archives]
War over Wind Heats up in Lyme
wwnytv.net
14 October 2007
It’s a war over wind turbines and it’s being waged among neighbors.
The debate has been heated in Cape Vincent over a proposed wind farm, and now it is heating up in the Town of Lyme.
British Petroleum presented plans Saturday for the wind farm that would stretch across both towns.
Meanwhile, outside some Town of Lyme resident took the opportunity to shout their opposition.
The protesters not only knocked the wind farm proposal, but they also called out neighbors who support bringing wind power into the neighborhood.
British Petroleum wants to put up 140 wind turbines in the area.
While protesters say they will stand up to anyone who supports the idea, property owners who look forward to the wind power wind fall say they won’t stand down.
The plans for the wind farm are still in the early stages according to British Petroleum. The plans specifically for the Town of Lyme won’t be completed until December.
Zoning still has to be approved as well and construction wouldn’t begin until 2009.
14 October 2007
It’s a war over wind turbines and it’s being waged among neighbors.
The debate has been heated in Cape Vincent over a proposed wind farm, and now it is heating up in the Town of Lyme.
British Petroleum presented plans Saturday for the wind farm that would stretch across both towns.
Meanwhile, outside some Town of Lyme resident took the opportunity to shout their opposition.
The protesters not only knocked the wind farm proposal, but they also called out neighbors who support bringing wind power into the neighborhood.
British Petroleum wants to put up 140 wind turbines in the area.
While protesters say they will stand up to anyone who supports the idea, property owners who look forward to the wind power wind fall say they won’t stand down.
The plans for the wind farm are still in the early stages according to British Petroleum. The plans specifically for the Town of Lyme won’t be completed until December.
Zoning still has to be approved as well and construction wouldn’t begin until 2009.
Friday, October 12, 2007
CAPE VINCENT DEBATES WIND TURBINE ZONING
Published: October 12, 2007
CAPE VINCENT DEBATES WIND TURBINE ZONING
RENEWED EFFORT: TOWN COUNCIL SAYS IT HOPES TO DRAFT NEW REGULATION PLAN BY EARLY NEXT YEAR
By KELLY VADNEY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
CAPE VINCENT -- The Town Council has agreed to renew its efforts to adopt zoning regulations for wind turbines, but exactly how they would be enacted is a source of bitter debate.
Both Wind Power Ethics Group Chairman Urban C. Hirschey and former Town Councilman Clifford P. Schneider urged the council Wednesday to adopt zoning for turbines.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Turbine poll blows lukewarm
By Kelly Vadney
Watertown Daily Times
27 September 2007
Most Lyme residents welcome wind farms, but not necessarily in their own backyards.
According to recent survey results, 52 percent of property owners in Lyme say industrial wind turbine development in town is acceptable, but only 37 percent want turbines in their own neighborhoods.
Continue via the [WDT archives]
Watertown Daily Times
27 September 2007
Most Lyme residents welcome wind farms, but not necessarily in their own backyards.
According to recent survey results, 52 percent of property owners in Lyme say industrial wind turbine development in town is acceptable, but only 37 percent want turbines in their own neighborhoods.
Continue via the [WDT archives]
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Three Lobby county for Wind turbine law
Watertown Daily Times
Jude Seymour
Publication Date: 09/19/2007
Vexed by inconsistent wind turbine regulations among towns, three Jefferson County residents asked legislators Tuesday to establish county-wide zoning laws for industrial turbines.
There’s just one problem. The county has no authority to impose zoning laws on its municipalities.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
Jude Seymour
Publication Date: 09/19/2007
Vexed by inconsistent wind turbine regulations among towns, three Jefferson County residents asked legislators Tuesday to establish county-wide zoning laws for industrial turbines.
There’s just one problem. The county has no authority to impose zoning laws on its municipalities.
[Continue via the WDT archives]
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