Wayland- With wind farm companies proposing plans nearby, the Town of Wayland is thinking ahead.
On June 19, the town board had a public hearing and passed Local Law No. 1 on the issue of tax exemption for wind companies.
“The local law is giving us the authority to be a part of the exemption status when a company comes into town, and they apply for an exemption in relation to wind farms and energy,” town Clerk Beverly L. Robinson, said. “By passing it, it entitles us to take part in deciding whatever exemption they may be entitled to because if you don’t pass it you don’t have a say, and the local school district will. It allows the township a say into how much of an exemption a town can get.”
Traditionally, what happens is a wind turbine company will inform the municipality they would like to do business in the town. After that, they may request a break in taxes, Robinson explained.
Local Law No. 1 has already been filed with the state Secretary of State in Albany.
“Their main goal was to enhance the town and protect them at the same time,” Robinson said. “To not discourage people with alternative energy, but at the same token we have to watch out for the people in the town.”
In addition, Local Law No. 2 regarding wind farm development is in the works. According to the draft, it will include specifics on creating a six-month moratorium if a wind farm company proposes a plan. A public hearing for the second law will be at 7 p.m. July 17 at the town hall.
The law presently outlines a rationale for the moratorium. For example, section two states: “The activity affected by this moratorium is to temporarily prohibit the project review, issuance of permits or construction of any wind powered electricity generating facilities within the Town of Wayland.”
Robinson said the town is trying to be proactive on the issue.
“We are trying to get all the ducks in a row,” she said. “In case a company does come, they will have everything in place for protection of the town and yet will be welcoming a new enterprise at the same time.”
Although no companies have recently presented a wind energy farm for the town, Robinson said several years ago one did just that. The initiation and surrounding townships, such as Cohocton, has prompted the board to pass the local laws, she added.
Another highlighted reason for Local Law No. 2 is environmental and health concerns of wind energy.
Under section three, the mission statement reads: “This moratorium is necessary to preserve and protect the health and safety and welfare of residents of the Town of Wayland, and to enable town officials to comprehensively address the issues involved with the development of residential, commercial and industry wind powered electricity generating facilities.
If development of this type of facility were allowed to proceed during the duration of this moratorium, irreversible damage to the health and safety of residents, adverse environmental impacts, and/or development not in consonance with the town’s comprehensive plan may occur, it continues.
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