Monday, September 21, 2009

Hearing set on proposed Yates County wind farm

A public hearing will be held Saturday morning in Italy, Yates County, on a proposed 18-turbine wind energy project now pending before the Town Board.

Ecogen LLC, based in suburban Buffalo, is seeking town approval to erect 415-foot-high turbines, each rated as capable of generating up to 2.3 megawatts of electricity. Most would be off Emerson Road, in the southern part of the town. Ecogen also wants to erect additional turbines in neighboring Prattsburgh, Steuben County.

The public hearing, the second to be held in the town, will begin at 9 a.m. in the Italy town barn, 915 Italy Valley Road. The Town Board still must give final approval to the project.

Opponents are challenging the proposal in state Supreme Court, claiming the town acted improperly when it changed zoning laws to allow wind energy projects. The suit is pending.

SORR@DemocratandChronicle.com

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