Hammond anti-wind-law group growing

HAMMOND — A group in Hammond aimed at overturning the recent wind farm law has been growing steadily in numbers and influence.

Concerned Residents of Hammond, which began in late October after the town enacted a law regarding the creation of wind farms, has grown from 25 to 70 members.

"In a town the size of Hammond, that's considerable," spokesman William A. Rogers said.

The original goal of the group was to have the town enact a moratorium on further development of wind turbines and test towers. The first few meetings were mostly educational, Mr. Rogers said. The group watched videos and brought in local speakers on the subject.

However, recently empowered by a wind turbine law in Centerville that was overturned this month, the meetings have become increasingly geared for legal actions.

The group has formed a bank account from money donated by members. The money will be used primarily for legal fees, Mr. Rogers said.

Attorney David P. Antonucci, Watertown, attended the most recent meeting to discuss the possibility of overturning the law.

With growing numbers and finances, CROH recently appointed an interim president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. The positions are interim because the group will hold elections next month to choose officers, Mr. Rogers said.

For the past three years, wind turbines have been hotly discussed in Hammond.

In 2005, a test tower from PPM Energy of Portland, Ore., which is part of the Spanish company Iberdrola SA, went up along the St. Lawrence River on County Route 6.

After the company expressed interest in building more towers, a moratorium on further development went into effect in February and lasted until the town board passed the wind law Oct. 27.

The law set standards for noise levels, setbacks and tax programs, among other things, but many in the community felt the board did not listen to their concerns about safety and health. Some also questioned the environmental standards and possible conflicts of interest.

"Citizens were shocked at how quickly the law went through," Mr. Rogers said. "We just want openness from the town and citizens' input to see if it's the best thing for the town or not."