Alfred, N.Y.
At least one wind developer is eyeing Alfred for a potential building site.
Keith Pitman, president and chief executive officer of Empire State Wind Energy from Oneida, said his company is interested in developing a wind project in Alfred.
“We only want to build projects in communities that want us there,” he said.
According to Pitman, his company would like to move forward with a preliminary design phase and start finalizing plans to approve the project’s start.
He said that any type of large-scale wind project would take a year or two before it gets to the building point.
Pitman asked the board to appoint some representatives in the community to work closely with him about any concerns they might have with building windmills. While the town assembles a group of representatives, Pitman is going to see that data collecting equipment starts recording wind speed and direction.
“Bullying tactics are commonly used in the wind farm industry,” said Pitman. He promised his company is not secretive or aggressive with its plans.
“In our mode of development there will not be a lot of surprises,” he said.
Pitman told the board that he would seek to hire local workers for the project and during the construction phase it would provide a large influx of jobs to the community.
“I’m sure there is someone in Allegany that can operate a back hoe,” he said. “Our company is all about utilizing local labor and resources.”
Pitman said a number like 200 turbines would be too many but thinks that smaller numbers like 35 or so are more realistic.
“I think one of the reasons we are excited is the economic possibility,” said Councilman Jeff Johnston.
Empire State Wind Energy was co-founded by Alfred State College alum Tom Golisano. He is the chairman of the company.
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