ALLEGANY - Allegany town residents heard new proposals for a wind-turbine farm that would effectively reduce the number of turbines built by three, and shift their locations to more remote areas in the community.

During Monday’s meeting for the Town of Allegany Planning Board, a gathering of 15 to 20 residents at the Allegany Senior Center heard a short presentation by Kevin Sheen, senior director of development for EverPower Renewables. The New York City-based company has been interested in constructing a wind-turbine farm in the Chipmonk area for the past couple of years and had initially proposed the construction of 32 wind turbines in the community. The new plan calls for the construction of 29 wind turbines.

Mr. Sheen told the board that the new layout of wind turbines would place the towers 2,500 feet from non-contracted landowners’ properties.

“We think this layout addresses some of the concerns” of the landowners along the eastern ridge of the proposed project, Mr. Sheen said. He said several wind turbines initially proposed for the Chipmonk Road area in the northern and southern ridges of the community were taken out of the plans and shifted to the western ridges of the project near Nichols Run.

Mr. Sheen said this area is on property owned by Nichols Run Oil Co.

“What we tried to do is shift some of the northern turfs and southern turfs that might have been closer to homes, and move them into areas that are less populated,” Mr. Sheen said.

He said additional studies, regarding the sound and visual impact the turbines will have on the community, will be conducted and included in the draft environmental-impact study that is expected to be presented to the planning board in January.

Planning board vice chairman Bob Phillips, who moderated the meeting as he will be appointed chairman in 2010, asked Mr. Sheen if a topographical map could be provided to show the turbines’ proximity to the Olean area. Mr. Sheen said maps will be made available. Mr. Sheen also noted, in response to a question, that the turbines would be constructed only in the town of Allegany and aren’t being considered for other towns or communities in the area.

Later in the meeting, John Hare, chairman of the planning board, said a public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the senior center for the town board to consider a proposed wind-energy overlay zone for the Chipmonk area. Carol Horowitz, town planner, said the wind-energy overlay zone would be set on top of an existing zoning district and would effectively give the town board governing power for final approval of the project.

The public hearing also will include a second session for the planning board to consider the proposed elimination of a required 2,500-foot distance of the wind turbines from homes, businesses, schools and hospitals. That proposal has been requested by Gary Abraham of the Concerned Citizens of Cattaraugus County.

Mr. Abraham explained why he and others with the Concerned Citizens group would like to see the 2,500-foot distance requirement for the turbines be removed from the plans.

“If that distance is good enough for those inside (the perimeter of 2,500 feet) than it should be good enough for those (living) outside” the required distance, Mr. Abraham said. “Why would you not want to extend that protection to people who are just outside” the required distance?

“All these Chipmonk residences are just outside that distance,” he said. “We want the town board to change that law.”

(Contact reporter Kate Day Sager at kates_th@yahoo.com)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bradfordera.com.

R.W. wrote on Nov 11, 2009 1:15 AM:

" I really see no reason why communities do not like wind turbines in an area. I personally think the visual impact does not harm the environment and they look pretty awesome standing anywhere. The fact they represent renewable energy is a big plus for any community. The wind turbines tells the world this community is progressive and cares about the environment. It is a new century, get with the program and stop being so unreasonable about machines that do not hurt anyone. I get to listen to 4-wheelers and motorcycles, tractors and cars needing mufflers, spewing poison into the air all the time around this part of NY. I would think the low hum of a wind turbine is the least of my sound problems. "

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Mark wrote on Nov 11, 2009 6:26 PM:

" Spoken by a person who probably will not have to listen to the humming.... "

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Forest wrote on Nov 12, 2009 11:26 AM:

" Drove out route 98 a few evenings back. Each of the wind mills have red lights on them. Looks weird with all of those red lights at night.

These windmills will be as obsolete as the old fashing satallite dishes in just a few years. Who is going to take them down when they are outdated and replaced by new technology.

All of you in favor of these windmills should be required to pack a picnic lunch and go spend 6 hours straight by those windmills on Route 98. Just spread out a blanket and take a sit. YOU WILL change your tune long before the six hours is up and realize you are in favor of a very bad idea. Now if all you do is sit in front of a TV in your house, of course you are in favor of windmills. "

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C. Forest Fortreas wrote on Nov 13, 2009 8:13 AM:

" Some people w hore out their bodies as evidenced by the folks along Route 98, others w hore out their living space.
"Naturally Yours"--Catt County's motto does not mean that Allegany can w hore out our county for a few short term tax bucks. There is nothing enchanting about hill tops topped with blinking red lights at night. It is not funny the symbolism of Allegany beooming Cattaraugus Counties new RED LIGHT DISTRICT! Are these idiots really going forward with this project? Please excuse the mis-spelling of the word w hore. The comment program does not realize the symbolism of w hore and red light district and has sanctioned it. "

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