Town receives plan for wind farm
The Town of Westfield has received a wind project SUP application from Babcock and Brown, outlining the possible areas which the company would like to set up turbines.
“We filed a permit application in which we request 83 different turbine sites,” said Matt Dallas of Babcock and Brown. “However, it could be much less depending on what size turbines and which sites are approved based on the environmental impact report and many other factors, including wind speed.”
Town Supervisor Martha Bills encouraged anyone who would like to look at the complete proposal to come to the town hall where a copy is available.
The next step for the town has taken, according to the SEQR process mandated by the NYSDEC, is the hiring of a wind project consultant.
The town approved EDR (Environmental Design and Research) out of Syracuse as the consulting firm.
“We were very pleased with EDR and their approach to the environment and to the agencies,” Bills said. She added that the town had worked with EDR previously and was happy with the results.
According to the agreement between the town and Babcock and Brown, the cost of the consultant will be paid for by the developer.
In other news:
n The town approved a special use permit for the creation of an art gallery at 8418 West Main Road, the residence of Robert and Sheila Keller. The Kellers previously had galleries in Pittsburgh, Pa.
“We visited Westfield some years ago and fell in love with it and decided we wanted to retire here,” Robert Keller said. “We felt the location of our home is ideal for a gallery.”
Bills answered concerns that the town in no way wants to create a commercial district in that section and the current gallery in Westfield welcomed another opening.
“We think it’s a good indicator as to where Westfield and the county is going,” Keller said. “We want to be a part of that and we think it will add not only economically to the town but culturally.”
n The town received a letter from the NYS DOT that it has begun a traffic study on the problem area of Route 5 around Barcelona Harbor.
n The town set SUP hearings beginning at 7:20 p.m. before the next board meeting on June 4 for a campground and gift shop in the town.
n The board appointed James Brotz as a new member of the planning board.
By Shirley West
Observer Today
12 May 2008
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Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
