Town of Stafford resolution draft - Article X

Resolution%20for%20S5908.doc

ALL:

One town’s approach to defeat Spitzer’s power grab.

CWW recommends the reinstatement of the OLD (pre 2002) Article X and opposes any legislation that promotes industrial wind projects. We all know that “Home Rule” by scores of local town boards has demonstrated how councilmen are so easily bought off and corrupted. The goal should be to legislate strong statewide protections for individual property rights that demand safe siting distances from all public roads and property lines.

Wind should not be favored over other forms of electric generation. Setbacks needs to be far greater than most local laws recognize. Put your state representatives on the hot seat NOW before we get wind turbines in every town and county in NYS.

James Hall
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RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, S5908, of the Public Service Law provides a streamlined siting permit procedure for certain power generation facilities and the law expired December, 31, 2002; and

WHEREAS, since January 1, 2003, power generation facilities have been sited via local zoning and state DEC review; and

WHEREAS, there is currently a proposal by Governor Eliot Spitzer before the legislature to renew and revise the Public Service Law that would also include the siting of wind turbines; and

WHEREAS, this inclusion essentially eliminates Home Rule and local zoning control over wind turbines and has an impact on community host payments; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Stafford, along with numerous municipalities throughout New York State, has undergone considerable time and expense to develop and implement wind turbine siting policies that best fits our community; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Stafford is opposed to any inclusion of the siting of wind turbines in the Public Service Law as it removes local control of our landscape and violates the principles of Home Rule that has been the guiding force of our state; and

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Stafford encourages any revision of S5908 to address health and environmental issues for those who live and work near power generation facilities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk forward copies of this resolution to Governor Eliot Spitzer and elected officials.

Dated: July 9, 2007
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD
TOWN OF STAFFORD.