Both sides of a dispute over eminent domain proceedings in the town of Prattsburgh weighed in with vigor Thursday night in the volunteer fire station.
Nearly 150 people attended the public hearing on a proposal for the town to seize roadway owned by seven residents. The properties are needed for a 100-mile underground electrical cable system for the 36-turbine wind farm being developed by First Wind.
Carl Raymond said lawsuits recently filed by the school districts means the public benefit of the project is open to doubt.
Others questioned whether McConnell’s vote was legal, since he admitted receiving money from First Wind for helping to broker a real estate transaction. McConnell claimed last month the timing of the payment made his vote valid.
Property owner Ron Iocone said he would never sign the easement, saying the cable would be too close to buildings on his land.
Iocone also challenged the environmental value of the project and said allowing the town to seize land set a precedent for any future projects.
“My issue is with being strong-armed,” he told residents. “And it could be you next.”
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