Somerset and dominoes
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal | April 23, 2015 | www.lockportjournal.com
Let’s take a look at the domino effect as it relates to the Town of Somerset. Still locked in the provincialism of the 18th century, this town continues to evaporate and disintegrate due to the lack of commercial, industrial or residential growth over the past 100 years. This is exemplified by the fact that, in 2003, Somerset town officials refused to approve the construction plans for the Intergrow Hydroponic Greenhouses and their 15 acre complex – which as of 2015 has expanded to 55 acres with 100 employees, thriving next door in Orleans County, and assessed for $9.4 million! It’s curious that the Town of Gaines welcomed them with open arms!
And now, with the property tax burden being shouldered by Somerset residents instead of agri-friendly businesses and industry (such as Intergrow), financially challenged land owners are ready to “sell their souls” in order to receive compensation from a wind turbine company that will leave a legacy of concrete grave yards, dead Canadian geese and migraine headaches.
This town needs to redirect its focus to attracting and welcoming agri-friendly businesses and families into Somerset, not scaring them away with unsightly wind turbines and resulting devalued properties.
Paul Ferington
Barker
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/04/23/somerset-and-dominoes/