Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Wayland-Cohocton Central School Board May 13, 2008 Letter by James Hall

May 13, 2008

Wayland-Cohocton Central School Board
2350 Rte 63 N
Wayland, NY 14572

RE: UPC/First Wind SCIDA PILOT – Cohocton Assessment on Project

Dear School Board members and Mr. Wetherbee,

Enclosed you will find the Town of Cohocton Tentative Assessment Roll pages, 461,462,464,470,480,485,487 and 491. It has been represented in compliance to a FOIL that these are the valued amount for the UPC/First Wind project under the LLC name of Canandaigua Power Partners LLC. Note no mention is made of the Canandaigua Power Partners II as a separate taxable entity.

The assessment at 20% for each industrial turbine is $500,000. If the project is commissioned the full 100% value will become $2,500,000 per turbine.

As you are aware from the Cohocton Wind Watch letter of January 28, 2008, the Wayland-Cohocton Central School Board has the legal right to challenge the SCIDA PILOT for this project. Since the School Boards of Prattsburgh and Naples have already filed legal actions in New York State Supreme Court, it is your responsibility to do the same.

CWW has evidence that supports that the SCIDA PILOT did not comply with the law. If the WCCS Board refuses to perform their fiduciary duty to tax this project at full assessment rates, it is probable that your conduct will be deemed as malfeasance. Citizen taxpayers reserve the right to file an action against your board and the WCCS District.

The increase in next years projected budget can be eliminated with prudent, rational and fair legal action against SCIDA and the PILOT. You need to collect legitimate full value tax funds for our school district on this project.

If the Naples and Prattsburgh School District are willing to protect their taxpayers, why is the Wayland-Cohocton Central School unwilling to do the same?

It is public knowledge that NYS investigations are active and that CWW has requested the Steuben County DA to convene a grand jury investigation into questionable and potentially criminal conduct. The appearance of collusion exists if the WCCS ignores the proper advocacy to insure due process and equitable taxation. Voters are watching. Your budget is a disgrace and an insult to property owners. Adopt the just policy and sue SCIDA over the PILOT.

Cordially,


James Hall for CWW

No comments: