February 21, 2012
Vermont

Wind developer considers $15,000 annual “gesture” to Holland

By Laura Carpenter, The Newport Daily Express, newportvermontdailyexpress.com 20 February 2012

HOLLAND – After months of consideration, planning and analyzing, the developers proposing to build two turbines just east of Derby Line are making an offer to the town of Holland.

Although the two turbines will not be located in the town of Holland, the turbines would be located near the town line and visible in many places throughout the town. The turbines planned are more than 400 feet tall at the tip of the blade and are slated for Grandview Farm, owned by the Davis Family, and Smugglers Hill Farm, owned by the Chase family.

The offer from Encore Redevelopment of Burlington is $15,000 annually for 20 years or $300,000.

Chad Farrell of Encore said that he learned that the town electric bill for the elementary school, the town office building, and the town garage was approximately $14,000 last year. Farrell said that there is no stipulation that the town would have to use the money for the electric bills; the town would be free to use the money as it chooses. Learning the amount of the electric bill was just to get an idea for an amount to consider and the $15,000 is all that the company could afford, Farrell said.

Farrell called the payment a good neighbor policy or gesture.

Farrell said he understands that there is some concern over the project and he wants Holland to have some level of benefit from the project.

Some residents have come forward, expressed concerns and asked questions about the project, including the impact on property values and the effects of noise. Farrell sites studies that show no impact on property values and a second sound study will be completed, Farrell said.

What the developer will pay the town of Derby for a tax payment is still undetermined, but Farrell expects to have an offer within the next week or so.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/21/wind-developer-considers-15000-annual-gesture-to-holland/