December 20, 2006
New York
New York
Arkwright Landowners’ Association president Chris Cannon is concerned about the increased requirements the Arkwright Town Board approved for the draft local law on industrial wind turbines.
“The revisions to the proposed local law have increased setbacks from 1,200 to 1,400 feet from the nearest off-site residence and 750 feet from the nearest site boundary property line or nearest public road. (They) are the most stringent in New York State,” Cannon said.
He said these restrictions have placed Arkwright’s industrial wind turbine development project in jeopardy.
“This cutback represents a 30 percent reduction in the number of wind turbines that can be constructed, and reduces the potential megawatt production from 100 to 50,” he claims.
Cannon called the proposed revisions to the draft local law approved by the Arkwright Town Board at its December meeting excessive.
“They have the potential of having any proposal from the wind developers withdrawn because of the increased restrictions,” he said.
Horizon Wind Energy and Noble Environmental Power are two developers who have expressed an interest in constructing wind turbines in Arkwright.Cannon said several landowners in Arkwright have been approached by these companies since October, asking them to sign contracts.
“There isn’t enough land in the town to support both operations,” he said.
Arkwright Superintendent Fred Norton confirmed this. “It’s my understanding that there will be just one developer,” he said.
Horizon Wind Energy development director Patrick Doyle said his company is currently studying all the constraints the proposed town law calls for.
“Before we come to any conclusion about the viability of the project, we have to carefully consider all aspects,” he said.
Cannon urges property owners to use similar constraint.
“I strongly recommend anyone offered a contract by a developer to have an attorney check it, before signing it,” he said.
By Joan Josephson
Observer Staff Writer
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/12/20/additional-wind-power-requirements-stir-concern/