Hamlin officials consider wind tower moratorium

Hamlin officials consider wind tower moratorium
Public Hearing March 12

On Monday, March 12, Town of Hamlin officials will host a public hearing to gather information on a potential moratorium on wind tower construction and installation.

"I talked with Denny (Roach, town supervisor) for quite some time about this and I think putting a moratorium means we are not operating in good faith with the developers," Ed Evans, one of the members of the newly formed Wind Tower Committee said.

Evans, who owns a home in Centerville, NY, said he went through a similar situation there and no moratorium was put in place. Town officials looked at zoning and the developers waited through that process before ultimately being granted permission to install 76 towers.

"What happened in Hamlin was a company came in and wanted to install wind towers and because there was no ordinance in place and the town starts working on one, the company backs off and says 'we will wait until you get your ordinances in order.' But because someone in the town demanded a moratorium, town officials decide to look at one. It's a slap in the face to the developer who was willing to wait for the town to get its papers in order," Evans said.

Troy and Tricia Nesbitt feel differently about the moratorium proposal. "I'm glad the town is considering a moratorium - it works for both people who are for and people who are against wind towers coming in," Tricia said. "This will give the committee time thoroughly research this project."

While Troy Nesbitt agrees, he said the town is a little late on the issue. "This should have been done earlier so the wind tower committee could complete its work. A lot of other towns that have been approached by developers put a moratorium in place right away," he said. "If the wind towers are allowed to come to this area of town (which is zoned agricultural/light residential), then they could potentially put them anywhere."

The developers were showing good faith, Evans said, as they backed off from contacting more homeowners for contracts and easements while they waited for the town to look into its ordinances.

The Wind Tower Committee held a meeting on February 20 with attendees at the meeting overflowed into the hallway with residents taking up the two hour session with questions and comments on the prudence of wind tower installation in the town. Residents who are opposed to wind towers coming in cited the sound - and sight - of them as concerns.

The Wind Tower Committee will hold a work session on March 6 - this will not be a time for public comment. The second meeting of the month will be for public comment and will be held March 20, at the town hall at 7 p.m.