Wind Energy Legislation...tabled at the July 11, 2012...

After almost two (2) years of work [the discussion was first brought up at the December 8, 2010 town board meeting] on the proposed Wind Energy Local Law and a Public Hearing that was finally held on May 23, 2012, the document has been sent back to the drawing board.

The decision to vote against the legislation came as a surprise to almost everyone in attendance.

In fact, the biggest surprise was when two councilmen made the motions to adopt the legislation and then they voted 'nay' when the roll call vote was taken, leaving only Councilman Backman voting 'aye' to adopt when all was said and done.

The dissenting councilmen echoed the opinion of Supervisor Tyksinski that the setback distances need reviewing and possible revising particularly the regulations for the larger commercial grades turbines.

Councilman Miscione said he didn't want to see wind turbines in his neighborhood in South Woods. However, Councilman Backman stated that there were few areas in New Hartford where the commercial grade turbines could be built because of the set-back distance required by the local law that was being proposed.

Even though Councilman Backman tried to assure the other board members by adding that the local law could be amended at a later date if necessary, it wasn't enough to convince a majority of board members that the local law, as written, was in the best interest of town residents.

On February 9, 2011, the New Hartford Town Board adopted a moratorium:

RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2011

RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby impose a moratorium on windpower – windmills in the Town of New Hartford until such time that the Advisory Committee on Zoning Law submits their report and action to said Town Board, or until December 31, 2011, whichever occurs first.

That moratorium has now expired. Isn't some regulation better than none?

Supervisor Tyksinski also stated that he believed wind turbines were noisy and ugly and that was part of his reasons for not adopting the local law that would at least have been a start at regulating any possible wind turbines that might be proposed in New Hartford.

However...

Shortly after the July 11, 2012 meeting, we were sent a picture of a proposal that is currently "under wraps" that might explain why Supervisor Tyksinski was pushing for the board to not adopt the local law that would have set into motion strict guidelines for siting wind turbines in New Hartford...

Click on the picture for a larger view!
However, please keep in mind that this proposed wind farm is all just hearsay at this point. We have been unable to confirm any such proposal is on the table.

However, our informants have told us that Supervisor Tyskinski has been overheard in Butler Hall saying New Hartford probably could deal with "a little ugly" if it meant jobs and increased hotel business in the park. After all, some of the construction workers will be needing a place to stay until the job is done, right? ROFL..

In the interim, we are providing the actual video of the Public Hearing held May 23, 2012 and the discussion/vote at the July 11, 2012 town board meeting.

May 23, 2012 Public Hearing

Board Vote 07-11-12