The Springwater
Preservation Committee
Springwater Preservation Committee |
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April 17, 2005 Newsletter ONE
DATE SET, ONE TO GO 1:00-2:00 p.m. Viewing of displays 2:00-2:45 p.m. PPM Atlantic Renewable proposal 2:45-3:30 p.m. SPC presentation 3:30-5:00 p.m. Q&A session with representative panels from both presenters.
According to Supervisor Walker, a moderator will conduct the meeting and it will be someone other than himself. We can hope to learn the lucky party's name at the next Town Board meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 18 at the Springwater Town Hall on Route 15A. Also at that meeting Mark Walker plans to announce the date for the most important meeting, the Public Hearing, at which Springwater landowners can voice their choice on the issue; thus guaranteeing the Town Council members be fully informed of the opinions of their constituents before making a decision on their behalf. The issue is whether or not to grant a moratorium, as twice requested by the SPC, in anticipation of drafting a local law restricting industrial wind farm development in the town. Because a super-majority is needed to grant the temporary ban, 4 out of 5 Council members must vote for the moratorium in order to pass it. Board members are elected officials and Mr. Walker has previously acknowledged his dedication to representing all Springwater landowners, so it is vital that everyone opposed to this and future projects show up at the Public Hearing as an actual tally will be taken. Your opinion will be noted as long you show up. The SPC is still encouraging all parties to write letters to the Board to reinforce our stand, especially if you cannot attend the Hearing. Approximately 50 letters against, 1 in favor have been received to date. On April 4 it was strongly suggested that the dates for both the Informational Meeting and the Public Hearing be set at once in order to facilitate advertising in advance to all Springwater taxpayers; unfortunately Mark Walker would only offer the April 23 date but conceded to aim for May 7 for the Hearing. That date has yet to be confirmed and is expected to be divulged at the April 18 regular Board meeting.
The SPC will again place phone calls to all the landowners of Springwater with published numbers as soon as the second date is confirmed. The Town Board will advertise both meetings as required by law in local papers but will rely on PPM Atlantic Renewable to conduct a mass mailing, as requested at a previous Board meeting. It will be interesting to note how that goes considering the selective nature of the PPM mailing before the Punky Hollow meeting they referred to as an Open House and were surprised by the astounding attendance. Signs announcing the meeting have been posted all over town and over 200 non-resident landowners have been contacted by phone since they may not see the ad in the Valley News. Thanks go out to the fast-acting members of the SPC for getting the word out. The SPC has taken on the responsibility as the Town Board apparently feels no obligation to contact out-of-town taxpaying landowners. Supervisor Walker has assured the public that Code Enforcement Officer Keith English was instructed not to issue a building permit to the developers until further notice in case they attempt to fly in under the radar. At this time a permit is all that is required to begin construction since no land-use zoning exists to prevent or even regulate such projects. The SPC is currently working on a draft for a local law restricting industrial wind farm development with regards to size, setback, and proper siting. Once a moratorium is in place Springwater can work toward adopting an ordinance that provides for adequate setback, restricts tower height and assesses certain liability issues relative to any future development of this type. This is extremely important in order to protect the quality of life of all Springwater residents, the financial viability of the town with appropriate residential development, and to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife that define Springwater and that we all enjoy.
What constitutes appropriate siting for these huge industrial machines? Even proponents of renewable resources such as wind energy have developed particular criteria for placement of these industrial giants. All agree they should not be put in wilderness areas or areas that have special scenic, natural or environmental value. Further recommendations are to place them far enough from humans that people are not put in danger from ice throws and disturbances from noise and light pollution. Based on such criteria, it is clear that Springwater is not an appropriate site. We must demonstrate to the misinformed public that the motivation for development in the Finger Lakes region is clearly financially, NOT environmentally based. Governor Pataki should remake the "Green Power" television commercial to accurately reflect the marring of the pristine landscape used as a backdrop for the ad. A clear example of "throwing out the baby with the bath water!"
SAME TIME, SAME PLACE Watch the Valley News each week for the SPC-sponsored ad on the same page as Katherine Humphrey's Springwater Party Line column. The ad costs the committee $50 per week and will keep everyone up to date on the issue. As we are funded completely by donations, your help is needed. Many Committee members devote their free time to the cause and all of Springwater will benefit in the end. Contributions of any amount are much appreciated. Please send yours today to:
Springwater Preservation Committee PO Box 128 Springwater, NY 14560
STAY INFORMED!! Springwater Town Board meeting minutes are public documents available for viewing at the convenience of Town Clerk Patricia Willsea. The SPC is working toward publishing the minutes on this website as we are concerned with all Town business, not just industrial wind turbines. Check the "WHAT'S NEW" section of the website regularly for updates. Subscribers to the newsletter will receive email notification of updates with an easy-to-click link. (To learn how to subscribe, click here)
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