April 10, 2008
New York

Hearing set on wind-speed tower

FREDONIA – The Pomfret Town Board will conduct a May 14 public hearing on a proposal to erect a meteorological tower that could possibly set the stage for a wind farm.

Babcock & Brown of Houston wants to place the tower on private land owned by Steven Jusko on Fredonia-Stockton Road near Cummings Road.

The tower would measure wind speeds to determine the potential for placing wind turbines there.

The Town Board would have to grant a special-use permit for the tower for as long as two years. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m. in Town Hall, prior to the board’s next regular meeting. In other matters:

• The board gave the goahead to Wendel Duchscherer Architects & Engineers of Amhert to move forward with the last two phases of the town’s comprehensive plan at a cost not to exceed $31,200. The town received a $25,000 Farm Protection grant through the state Department of Agriculture and Markets to help pay for the plan. The town will pay the difference.

The engineering consultant, which has completed a summary report and mapping, will now focus on a town vision weighted toward agricultural protection, prepare findings and recommendations, and implement a strategy for action.

The firm will also work on public outreach, conduct a state environmental review and assist the town with adopting the plan, with the completion expected by next February.

• Councilman Rod Pennica gave an update on the town’s proposed water district survey. Officials said 453 surveys were mailed April 4 to property owners within the proposed area. Fifty-five have been returned with a 2-1 ratio in favor of creating the district.

The district would provide municipal water to properties along Webster and Elliott roads and areas north.

The surveys must be returned to Town Hall by April 25.

By Holly Hewitt