Moratorium Declared by Cherry Valley Planning Board

The Cherry Valley Planning Board has unanimously recommended an 18 month moratorium on all major development in the town of Cherry Valley.

There will be a few exceptions to the moratorium such as minor subdivisions and sub-divisions within families.

The time is to be used to complete a comprehensive plan, and to prepare necessary ordinances to properly control large-scale development. If all necessary legislation is in place before the 18 month period expires, the moratorium could be shortened.

The proposal must now be submitted to the Town Board for formal approval. It is expected that the Town Board will concur with the Planning Board's recommendation.

The Planning Board has made a bold decision on a controversial topic - land use regulation. It has made a responsible committment to the welfare of our community by transforming itself into a pro-active institution, truly a planning board.

The members of the Planning Board do not all agree with us. Nor does everyone in the community. And this does not mean that turbines are no longer a possibility in Cherry Valley. But, by taking action, the Planning Board has lifted the argument to the plane of reasoned discourse. They have earned our praise.

The Advocates for Cherry Valley welcome the opportunity to participate in a dialogue that will find a way to reconcile the inevitability of development with the unique history and beauty of our town.

The conflict over the proposed turbine farm on East Hill stems from a failure to understand that there must be a proper balance between individual rights, and the rights of a community as a whole. The people of East Hill have understood this from the beginning. That is why they have fought so hard. Tonight they have won a victory.

Remember, there are no "bad guys" in our town. There are just carpetbaggers like Reunion Power whose satchels are filled with greenbacks and the seeds of dissension. (Am I over the top or what?)

Congratulations to everyone for all their hard work. Don't forget,our struggle continues. But now this summer seems more sunshine than rain.