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.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
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?
Saturday, June 30, 2012
LeRay OKs tweaked tax deal for Drum biomass plant
To read more ink to original--LeRay OKs tweaked tax deal for Drum biomass plant
SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012
Thanks to a sweetened tax deal made with the town of LeRay, an Albany energy company is ready to retrofit a former coal plant at Fort Drum to produce biomass energy.
After rejecting the first payment-in-lieu-of-taxes proposal June 14, council members unanimously approved a new deal with ReEnergy LLC on Friday that includes payments from the company for sales tax revenue that the town would have lost, because the property will be removed from its tax roll under the five-year term from 2014 to 2018. The payments in lieu of sales tax will total $124,504 over the term.
After rejecting the first payment-in-lieu-of-taxes proposal June 14, council members unanimously approved a new deal with ReEnergy LLC on Friday that includes payments from the company for sales tax revenue that the town would have lost, because the property will be removed from its tax roll under the five-year term from 2014 to 2018. The payments in lieu of sales tax will total $124,504 over the term.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The fight over wind farms continues in Cape Vincent
To read more ink to original-- The fight over wind farms continues in Cape Vincent
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — Opinions were split once again Wednesday night over why and to what extent Cape Vincent’s government should restrict industrial wind development.
At the forum to discuss proposed revisions in the town’s zoning law, only a dozen or so spoke up during the comment session but well over 50 residents flocked to the Recreation Park for a chance to air their thoughts to members of the revision committee and each other.
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — Opinions were split once again Wednesday night over why and to what extent Cape Vincent’s government should restrict industrial wind development.
At the forum to discuss proposed revisions in the town’s zoning law, only a dozen or so spoke up during the comment session but well over 50 residents flocked to the Recreation Park for a chance to air their thoughts to members of the revision committee and each other.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
You may have read that there was a comment letter from BP wind energy (electronically delivered) to the Town of Cape Vincent June 27, 2012 concerning Cape Vincent proposed zoning law.
Below is a transcript of that letter.
June 27, 2012
Via Electronic Delivery
Town of Cape Vincent
P. O. Box 680
Cape Vincent, N Y 13618
Re: Proposed Amendment – 2012 of Town Of Cape Vincent Zoning Law
On June 5, 2012 the town of Cape Vincent (“ Town") issued Proposed Amendment – 2012 to the
Town of Cape Vincent Zoning Law (" Proposed Zoning Law"). The Proposed Zoning Law would
effectively prohibit wind generation from being sited within the Town. The town is already
evaluated potential impacts from the Cape Vincent and St. Lawrence Wind Farm projects and
made favorable findings. The requirements of the Proposed Zoning Law, however, are
inconsistent with these findings. The requirements, setback provisions, exclusion areas, and noise
standards contained within the Proposed Zoning Law are highly restrictive and should be
substantiated by realistic and credible studies, consistent with other operational wind projects, and
in line with industry standards.
As you know, the developers of the Cape Vincent Wind Farm and St. Lawrence Wind Farm
Projects (combined" the project") have been engaged with the Town and members of its
community for many years. By working closely with the community, BP has been able to make
several changes to and positively shape the Project into one that will provide significant benefits
to the Town and the community and do so in an environmentally responsible manner. Wind
development in the Town will create jobs, increase the demand for local goods and services, and
increase tax revenues to the Town, County, and school district. Land owners will be able to
secure an additional revenue stream while continuing to use their property for agricultural and
recreational uses, a positive benefit during challenging economic times. The Project also will
provide renewable power that is good for the environment.
For parties interested in submitting applications to site wind energy projects in the Town of Cape
Vincent, the provisions contained within the Proposed Zoning Law are unreasonably burdensome
that's in view of existing wind generation technology and/or in view of the needs of/costs to
ratepayers. We respectfully request the town to reconsider the Proposed Zoning Law, taking into
account the above mentioned comments.
Below is a transcript of that letter.
Via Electronic Delivery
P. O. Box 680
Cape Vincent, N Y 13618
Re: Proposed Amendment – 2012 of Town Of Cape Vincent Zoning Law
On June 5, 2012 the town of Cape Vincent (“ Town") issued Proposed Amendment – 2012 to the
Town of Cape Vincent Zoning Law (" Proposed Zoning Law"). The Proposed Zoning Law would
effectively prohibit wind generation from being sited within the Town. The town is already
evaluated potential impacts from the Cape Vincent and St. Lawrence Wind Farm projects and
made favorable findings. The requirements of the Proposed Zoning Law, however, are
inconsistent with these findings. The requirements, setback provisions, exclusion areas, and noise
standards contained within the Proposed Zoning Law are highly restrictive and should be
substantiated by realistic and credible studies, consistent with other operational wind projects, and
in line with industry standards.
As you know, the developers of the Cape Vincent Wind Farm and St. Lawrence Wind Farm
Projects (combined" the project") have been engaged with the Town and members of its
community for many years. By working closely with the community, BP has been able to make
several changes to and positively shape the Project into one that will provide significant benefits
to the Town and the community and do so in an environmentally responsible manner. Wind
development in the Town will create jobs, increase the demand for local goods and services, and
increase tax revenues to the Town, County, and school district. Land owners will be able to
secure an additional revenue stream while continuing to use their property for agricultural and
recreational uses, a positive benefit during challenging economic times. The Project also will
provide renewable power that is good for the environment.
For parties interested in submitting applications to site wind energy projects in the Town of Cape
Vincent, the provisions contained within the Proposed Zoning Law are unreasonably burdensome
that's in view of existing wind generation technology and/or in view of the needs of/costs to
ratepayers. We respectfully request the town to reconsider the Proposed Zoning Law, taking into
account the above mentioned comments.
Letter from Bp Director of Development to the Town of Cape Vincent
June 27, 2012 The Town of Cape Vincent received a letter from BP’s Director of Development Richard Chandler, concerning Cape Vincent's New Draft Zoning revisions.
In his letter Chandler said, the proposed Zoning Law is unreasonably burdensome and will effectively prohibit wind generation from being sited within the Town. The town has already
evaluated potential impacts from the Cape Vincent and St. Lawrence Wind Farm projects and
made favorable findings. The requirements of the Proposed Zoning Law, however, are
inconsistent with these findings. The requirements, setback provisions, exclusion areas, and noise
standards contained within the Proposed Zoning Law are highly restrictive and should be
substantiated by realistic and credible studies, consistent with other operational wind projects, and
in line with industry standards.
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LeRay to vote on tax break for biomass plant Friday
To read more ink to original--LeRay to vote on tax break for biomass plant Friday
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012
The LeRay Town Council will hold a special meeting Friday to vote again on the five-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement proposed by ReEnergy LLC, Albany, to launch a $34 million project that would retrofit a former coal plant at Fort Drum.
The tax break would give the company a 50 percent average abatement of the plant’s assessed property value of $30 million for the five years, effective 2014.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012
The LeRay Town Council will hold a special meeting Friday to vote again on the five-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement proposed by ReEnergy LLC, Albany, to launch a $34 million project that would retrofit a former coal plant at Fort Drum.
The tax break would give the company a 50 percent average abatement of the plant’s assessed property value of $30 million for the five years, effective 2014.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Seen first hand, Ogdensburg wind turbine project larger-than-life
To read more ink to original-- Seen first hand, Ogdensburg wind turbine project larger-than-life
By CHRISTOPHER ROBBINS
The Ogdensburg Journal
Observers enjoying the bird’s eye view from Ford Street can see that the Port of Ogdensburg is abuzz with activity, but the sheer size and scope of the project is most apparent up close.
St. Lawrence County Legislator Vernon “Sam” Burns, R-Ogdensburg, and Conservative Party Chairman Henry R. Ford toured the port Wednesday.
By CHRISTOPHER ROBBINS
The Ogdensburg Journal
Observers enjoying the bird’s eye view from Ford Street can see that the Port of Ogdensburg is abuzz with activity, but the sheer size and scope of the project is most apparent up close.
St. Lawrence County Legislator Vernon “Sam” Burns, R-Ogdensburg, and Conservative Party Chairman Henry R. Ford toured the port Wednesday.
Lewis County legislators appoint highway chief, amend wind project PILOT
To read more ink to original-- Lewis County legislators appoint highway chief, amend wind project PILOT
By STEVE VIRKLER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012
LOWVILLE — Lewis County legislators on Wednesday removed the interim tag from their highway superintendent and gave a wind developer more time to undertake a proposed 39-turbine project in Martinsburg.
Legislators voted 6-4 to appoint David L. Becker, Martinsburg, as highway superintendent at an annual base salary of $60,000. Legislators Philip C. Hathway, R-Harrisville; Charles R. Fanning, R-Copenhagen; Michael A. Tabolt, R-Croghan, and Jerry H. King, R-West Leyden, opposed the appointment.
By STEVE VIRKLER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012
LOWVILLE — Lewis County legislators on Wednesday removed the interim tag from their highway superintendent and gave a wind developer more time to undertake a proposed 39-turbine project in Martinsburg.
Legislators voted 6-4 to appoint David L. Becker, Martinsburg, as highway superintendent at an annual base salary of $60,000. Legislators Philip C. Hathway, R-Harrisville; Charles R. Fanning, R-Copenhagen; Michael A. Tabolt, R-Croghan, and Jerry H. King, R-West Leyden, opposed the appointment.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Cape Vincent to seek input on proposed restrictions for wind farms; hopes to adopt updated zoning law in August
To read more ink to original-- Cape Vincent to seek input on proposed restrictions for wind farms; hopes to adopt updated zoning law in August
The area in white is the only portion of the town of Cape Vincent where wind turbines could be erected under a new proposal that town planning officials are considering.
CAPE VINCENT — The town of Cape Vincent plans to adopt a new zoning law — which includes strict restrictions on wind farms — in August before the state makes amendments to Article X of the 2011 Power NY Act.
CAPE VINCENT — The town of Cape Vincent plans to adopt a new zoning law — which includes strict restrictions on wind farms — in August before the state makes amendments to Article X of the 2011 Power NY Act.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
ReEnergy biomass plant at Fort Drum now in jeopardy
To read more ink to original--ReEnergy biomass plant at Fort Drum now in jeopardy
By TED BOOKER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2012
An Albany company’s plan to retrofit a former coal plant into a biomass energy facility to power Fort Drum is in jeopardy after a tax incentive for the project was voted down last week.
The LeRay Town Council rejected a five-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxTitle:
By TED BOOKER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2012
An Albany company’s plan to retrofit a former coal plant into a biomass energy facility to power Fort Drum is in jeopardy after a tax incentive for the project was voted down last week.
The LeRay Town Council rejected a five-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxTitle:
Not much space between Greene and Doheny on wind power
To read more ink to original-- Not much space between Greene and Doheny on wind power
Brian Amaral
Times Staff Writer
In places like Cape Vincent, wind energy is not just an issue on voters' minds. It's the issue on voters' minds, from the election of the Town Board to the town justice.
And while it’s just one of many matters to consider in the race for Congress, voters who care about wind power will have plenty of differences to weigh between the Republican and Democratic candidates.
Brian Amaral
Times Staff Writer
In places like Cape Vincent, wind energy is not just an issue on voters' minds. It's the issue on voters' minds, from the election of the Town Board to the town justice.
And while it’s just one of many matters to consider in the race for Congress, voters who care about wind power will have plenty of differences to weigh between the Republican and Democratic candidates.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Ogdensburg wind turbine shipments pass halfway point
To read more ink to original-- Ogdensburg wind turbine shipments pass halfway point
By CHRISTOPHER ROBBINS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012
OGDENSBURG — Around half of the ships bearing wind turbine parts to the Port of Ogdensburg during the 2012 shipping season have been unloaded, but the authority operating the facility already is planning for the future.
Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Director of Operations Steven J. Lawrence confirmed that five ships have been unloaded.
By CHRISTOPHER ROBBINS
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012
OGDENSBURG — Around half of the ships bearing wind turbine parts to the Port of Ogdensburg during the 2012 shipping season have been unloaded, but the authority operating the facility already is planning for the future.
Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Director of Operations Steven J. Lawrence confirmed that five ships have been unloaded.
Friday, June 15, 2012
LeRay rejects PILOT for biomass plant at Fort Drum
By TED BOOKER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
The PILOT agreement had already been approved by the Jefferson County Board of Legislators on June 5 and the Carthage Central School District on Monday, and the company needed only LeRay's stamp of approval to make it official.
The tax break was voted down by William R. Jesmore, Samuel J. Biondolillo and Jennifer J. Dindl-Neff; Michael J. Gracey and Supervisor Ronald C. Taylor voted yes
Link here to read more
TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
The PILOT agreement had already been approved by the Jefferson County Board of Legislators on June 5 and the Carthage Central School District on Monday, and the company needed only LeRay's stamp of approval to make it official.
The tax break was voted down by William R. Jesmore, Samuel J. Biondolillo and Jennifer J. Dindl-Neff; Michael J. Gracey and Supervisor Ronald C. Taylor voted yes
Link here to read more
Lyme officials: home rule must prevail
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
CHAUMONT — Home rule must prevail over “a disturbing trend” in state government to remove powers from local jurisdictions under Article X of the 2011 Power NY Act, according to Lyme town officials.
Joining several other towns, Lyme recently sent its official statement to the state Public Service Commission asking it to reinstate local control over the siting of energy development projects, such as industrial wind farms.
Continue reading here
Joining several other towns, Lyme recently sent its official statement to the state Public Service Commission asking it to reinstate local control over the siting of energy development projects, such as industrial wind farms.
Continue reading here
Monday, June 11, 2012
Husband of Judy Drabicki, state DEC Region 6 director ~ Lee Willbanks ~ Named Executive Director of Save the River
Continue reading here-- Save the River to introduce new facility, executive director at open house today Saturday
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012
CLAYTON — The yearlong construction project to renovate and expand Save the River’s headquarters on Riverside Drive has come to an end.
From 1 to 4 p.m. today, the environmental advocates are inviting the public to tour the new facility and meet the organization’s members and staff.
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012
CLAYTON — The yearlong construction project to renovate and expand Save the River’s headquarters on Riverside Drive has come to an end.
From 1 to 4 p.m. today, the environmental advocates are inviting the public to tour the new facility and meet the organization’s members and staff.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
County approves biomass PILOT
County approves tax break for biomass facility
By BRIAN AMARAL
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012
Jefferson County lawmakers approved a tax break Tuesday for a company that wants to power Fort Drum.
The vote was 13 to 0, with one legislator absent and one legislator, Steven T. Harter, abstaining because of his extensive involvement in the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes negotiations.
[Watertown Times]
By BRIAN AMARAL
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012
Jefferson County lawmakers approved a tax break Tuesday for a company that wants to power Fort Drum.
The vote was 13 to 0, with one legislator absent and one legislator, Steven T. Harter, abstaining because of his extensive involvement in the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes negotiations.
[Watertown Times]
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Windmill project pleases businesses
Continue reading here--Windmill project pleases businesses
By BRIAN KIDWELL
The Journal
SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012
As the truck transport of parts for 70 windmills from the port of Ogdensburg to a wind farms in Churubusco wraps up its second week, local businesses are already feeling the impact of the estimated 1,000 truckloads that will be leaving here six days a week until next October.
And they like it because it’s good for them and other businesses.
By BRIAN KIDWELL
The Journal
SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012
As the truck transport of parts for 70 windmills from the port of Ogdensburg to a wind farms in Churubusco wraps up its second week, local businesses are already feeling the impact of the estimated 1,000 truckloads that will be leaving here six days a week until next October.
And they like it because it’s good for them and other businesses.
Five-year PILOT for Fort Drum biomass plant to be proposed to municipalities
Continue reading here-- Five-year PILOT for Fort Drum biomass plant to be proposed to municipalities
By TED BOOKER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012
A five-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for the biomass energy plant to be constructed at Fort Drum by ReEnergy Holdings LLC, Albany, will be proposed to taxing jurisdictions for approval in June.
The Jefferson County Board of Legislators will vote on the PILOT agreement June 5, Carthage Central School District will vote June 11 and the town of LeRay will vote June 14.
The Jefferson County Board of Legislators will vote on the PILOT agreement June 5, Carthage Central School District will vote June 11 and the town of LeRay will vote June 14.
Friday, June 1, 2012
MetalCraft lands $10 million federal contract for high-speed patrol boats
Continue reading here-- MetalCraft lands $10 million federal contract for high-speed patrol boats
By JAEGUN LEE
Watertown TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — MetalCraft Marine, a manufacturer of custom aluminum boats with a shop here, has landed a $10 million federal contract for high-speed patrol boats that will be deployed from the U.S. Coast Guard’s “national security cutters.”
Robert Clark, the Kingston, Ontario-based boat maker’s contracts manager, said Thursday that the initial plan is to produce one “long range interceptor II cutter boat,” make modifications based on feedback from the Coast Guard and build up to 10 boats over three years — including two vessels that would be produced for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Navy.
By JAEGUN LEE
Watertown TIMES STAFF WRITER
FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — MetalCraft Marine, a manufacturer of custom aluminum boats with a shop here, has landed a $10 million federal contract for high-speed patrol boats that will be deployed from the U.S. Coast Guard’s “national security cutters.”
Robert Clark, the Kingston, Ontario-based boat maker’s contracts manager, said Thursday that the initial plan is to produce one “long range interceptor II cutter boat,” make modifications based on feedback from the Coast Guard and build up to 10 boats over three years — including two vessels that would be produced for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Navy.
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