Bill Opalka | Aug 28, 2012
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and a municipality have entered into a power supply contract for low-cost hydropower that is seen as an economic boost for a rural area in the northern corner of the state.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s office on Aug. 28 announced the authorization of a power supply contract between NYPA and the Massena Electric Department, making available up to 20 MW of low-cost hydropower to help support economic development and job growth in St. Lawrence County. The power contract extends to September 2025.
Continue reading via this link
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Potsdam receives $6.8 million in hydro project damages
By BRIAN HAYDEN
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012
POTSDAM — Canadian Turbines Inc. must pay Potsdam $6,837,000 in damages related to the village’s stymied hydroelectric project, State Supreme Court Justice David R. Demarest ruled.
But the amount the village actually will receive from the company may be less, officials acknowledged Thursday.
Continue reading via this link
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012
POTSDAM — Canadian Turbines Inc. must pay Potsdam $6,837,000 in damages related to the village’s stymied hydroelectric project, State Supreme Court Justice David R. Demarest ruled.
But the amount the village actually will receive from the company may be less, officials acknowledged Thursday.
Continue reading via this link
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Hydro project nears completion
By JACOB TIERNEY
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2012
POTSDAM — An agreement with National Grid has brought Potsdam’s West Dam hydro project within months of finally generating power, and revenue, for the village.
The agreement focused on how National Grid could quickly and safely disconnect the village’s power plant from the main grid in case of a disturbance.
Continue reading via this link
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2012
POTSDAM — An agreement with National Grid has brought Potsdam’s West Dam hydro project within months of finally generating power, and revenue, for the village.
The agreement focused on how National Grid could quickly and safely disconnect the village’s power plant from the main grid in case of a disturbance.
Continue reading via this link
Monday, August 20, 2012
Cape Vincent’s zoning officer stepping down
By JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The town’s zoning enforcement officer is looking to step down because enforcing Cape Vincent’s new zoning law would be a “full-time job.”
Cape Vincent Zoning officer Edward P. Bender, who has held the part-time position for seven months, has asked the Town Council to start looking for his replacement. “I’m not interested in spending the time to enforce the new zoning law,” he said. “I don’t want to devote that amount of time.”
continue...
TIMES STAFF WRITER
MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The town’s zoning enforcement officer is looking to step down because enforcing Cape Vincent’s new zoning law would be a “full-time job.”
Cape Vincent Zoning officer Edward P. Bender, who has held the part-time position for seven months, has asked the Town Council to start looking for his replacement. “I’m not interested in spending the time to enforce the new zoning law,” he said. “I don’t want to devote that amount of time.”
continue...
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Despite state agency involvement, Henderson wind turbine debate remains stagnant
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2012
HENDERSON — Despite the involvement of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, the debate between the town and the developer on the placement of a wind turbine in the town’s Agricultural District 3 has left little room for compromise.
The 10-kilowatt wind turbine generator, proposed to be placed on property at 11375 Whitney Road, would be on farmland owned by Harvey K. and Susan L. Grimshaw.
Defamation suit: Cape Vincent bloggers hire Syracuse law firm
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — Two local bloggers, Richard C. Wiley Sr. and Kathryn A. Hludzenski, have retained the Syracuse law firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King to represent them in a defamation lawsuit.
They were sued in July by several longtime “pro-wind” Cape Vincent residents — Marty T. and Donald J. Mason, Gary J. King, Harvey J. White, Paul C. Mason, Darrell and Marlene Burton and Frank J. Giaquinto — who claimed damage to their reputations in the state Supreme Court
lawsuit.
Continue reading via this link to the Watertown Times
CAPE VINCENT — Two local bloggers, Richard C. Wiley Sr. and Kathryn A. Hludzenski, have retained the Syracuse law firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King to represent them in a defamation lawsuit.
They were sued in July by several longtime “pro-wind” Cape Vincent residents — Marty T. and Donald J. Mason, Gary J. King, Harvey J. White, Paul C. Mason, Darrell and Marlene Burton and Frank J. Giaquinto — who claimed damage to their reputations in the state Supreme Court
lawsuit.
Continue reading via this link to the Watertown Times
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Lyme council passes law restricting wind farms
JAEGUN LEE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
SUNDAY, AUGUST 12, 2012
THREE MILE BAY — After a heated public debate over setbacks and noise limits, Lyme’s Town Council adopted a set of zoning rules Saturday that are so strict industrial wind farms will not be feasible in the town.
The council voted 4-1 with Deputy Supervisor Donald R. Bourquin casting the sole “no” vote because he thought the turbine noise caps should be consistent with the neighboring town of Cape Vincent’s less restrictive standards to make it more “defendable” when considered by a state siting board under New York’s Article X process.
Continue...
Friday, August 10, 2012
Champion approves transmission line zoning law
FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 201
WEST CARTHAGE — After months of having a moratorium on the construction of electrical and gas transmission lines in place, the town of Champion has now passed a local law to regulate those facilities.
With the moratorium, the Town Council gave its Planning Board time to develop regulations. Continue reading via this link
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Cape Vincent’s Planning Board mulls termination of BP wind application
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2012
CAPE VINCENT — The town’s Planning Board decided to give more thought to whether terminating BP’s wind farm application at the Town Council’s request is a good idea.
At a regular meeting Wednesday night, board Chairman Richard H. Macsherry said the Planning Board will wait until Cape Vincent’s wind moratorium expires Sept. 7 and vote on the issue at its next monthly meeting. Continue reading via this link
At a regular meeting Wednesday night, board Chairman Richard H. Macsherry said the Planning Board will wait until Cape Vincent’s wind moratorium expires Sept. 7 and vote on the issue at its next monthly meeting. Continue reading via this link
Monday, August 6, 2012
Gov. Cuomo to visit ReEnergy facility on post Monday
Monday,August 6 ,2006
FORT DRUM — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo will visit the north country today as a part of his “Open for Business” statewide tour.
He is scheduled to visit the ReEnergy Black River facility at Fort Drum at 11 a.m., according to a statement Sunday from the governor’s office.Continue reading
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Cape Vincent passes wind law, asks Planning Board to terminate BP’s application
Cape Vincent passes wind law, asks Planning Board to terminate BP’s application
CAPE VINCENT — The Town Council unanimously voted Wednesday morning to adopt a new zoning law that includes strict restrictions on wind turbines and asked the Planning Board to consider terminating BP Wind Energy’s application for a wind farm.Cape Vincent officials said at Wednesday’s special meeting that BP’s application should be discarded because there has been no activity for a year prior to the town’s seven-month wind moratorium — enacted in February — and because the company has already indicated it would ask a state siting board to consider the project. [Watertown Times]
Friday, July 27, 2012
Cape Vincent bloggers sued for defamation by wind farm backers
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.
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.
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.
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