January 19, 2017
New York

Wind farm proposal harvesting mixed reactions

By Jim Madalinsky | WHAM | 13wham.com

Barre, NY – Apex Clean Energy is hoping to make a dent in the skyline in the Town of Barre in Orleans County. The company formally met with taxpayers in the town Wednesday to talk about it’s proposal for the Heritage Wind Farm.

The project is in its early stages, but Project Manager Ben Yazman told 13WHAM the goal is to build 40 to 50 wind turbines on farmland in the town.

“Ultimately community acceptance is going to be the final test,” said Yazman.

Reaction from the town, so far, appeared to be mixed. Apex Clean Energy plans to pay residents to build the turbines on their land.

John Metzlar lives in Barre and said Wednesday the wind farm isn’t right for the town. He’s concerned about a number of things, including the impact on wildlife and noise.

“I care about my community,” said Metzlar. “I care about the people that live here, and good people need to stand up.”

The turbines commonly stand a few hundred feet in the air. The company plans to help ease those concerns in the coming months as more information becomes available. Apex Clean Energy said all of their turbines will meet local, federal and state safety regulations.

Some in town are already on board, even if it means having a turbine in their backyard.

“We need it. We need to stop being dependent on oil and radioactive materials,” said Craig VanAmeron.

“I’ve always thought we could do a lot with the wind and harvesting it for energy,” said Doreen Brumbaugh. “I’m all for it.”

The company said Wednesday, if all the steps go as planned, construction would begin sometime during 2019, at the earliest.

The project only requires approval from the New York State Siting Board, made up of five people appointed by the Governor and two people from the impacted town. Town members and leaders will have the chance to voice their support or concern for the project throughout the process.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/01/19/wind-farm-proposal-harvesting-mixed-reactions/