Charlotte OKs first-ever zoning code

SINCLAIRVILLE - For the first time, the town of Charlotte has a zoning law.

Following months of planning, hearings, and modifications, the new law, including several more changes, was adopted Wednesday night by the Town Board.

The action was carried out in a vote of 4 to 1, with council members Kenneth Bochmann, Henry Harper, Dennis Lewis, and Supervisor Gary Sargent voting yes, leaving Councilwoman Varsi Peterson casting the lone nay.

The board also adopted a zoning fee schedule, a duplicate of that of the town of Gerry, with exception of the wind energy met (meteorology) tower fee. The meeting was conducted by Lewis, in absence of Sargent, who was unable to attend all but a brief period at the end of the session.

It was a benchmark moment for property owners involved in a wind turbine energy project, planned for development by First Wind, formerly UPC Wind Management. However, Peterson warned that the board's failure to increase wind tower setbacks before the zoning law was adopted could lead to "serious problems" later on.

In comments following the board meeting, Peterson said she was a "strong supporter" of wind energy conversion. "I support wind energy, and I know the wind farm will mean more revenue for property owners and the town," she said, "but, I'm still convinced, after research and after talking with officials in other communities, that the wind tower setback for residences should be increased, and I can't in good conscience, vote for (the zoning law) if that is not changed.''

Peterson first called for a change in setback distances this past spring. In April, she suggested setbacks (distance between wind towers and roads and between towers and homes) be changed from 500 ft. to 1,000 ft. for roads, and from 1,000 ft., to 1,500 ft. for homes.

At that time, the board reluctantly agreed to a compromise, and the setbacks were increased to 750 ft for roads, and to 1,250 feet for houses.

Earlier in the session, town resident Patty Greenstein urged town officials to proceed with caution in connection with the development of the town's wind farm. "(Developers) are using our tax dollars for these projects..."

The town, she said, should make certain the best interests of property owners and the municipality are served. In comments later, Greenstein noted she was referring to government subsidies made available to development firms, whose costs for wind energy conversion systems may be subsidized up to 50 percent through NYSERDA (New York State Energy Renewal Development Agency.)

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