Chautauqua County

Larry Wilcox is co-chairman of a group of Arkwright residents who have organized themselves under the name Neighbors Informed about Clean Energy to support the development of wind turbines in Arkwright.

Wilcox said the group also wants to help Chautauqua County residents become knowledgeable about wind projects and help them become better informed about clean alternatives to growing energy demands.

A group of landowners in the Town of Centerville filed suit Friday alleging the town board worked hand-in-hand with Noble Environmental Power, LLC, to craft a local law that accommodates Noble’s proposed Centerville Windpark, but without looking at the environmental impacts. The project would add at least 60 wind turbines, each about fifty stories high, to Noble’s Bliss Windpark in the Town of Eagle. Sixty-seven wind turbines have already been approved in Eagle. A comparable wind farm is planned by Noble in the Town of Farmersville in Cattaraugus County.

ALLEGANY — The comments ranged from concerns that a low-frequency noise from wind farms could create health issues for residents to a hope that they will save the community in energy costs.

These and other comments were heard by the town of Allegany Planning Board during Monday’s public hearing on a proposed draft for regulations on wind energy.

In August, the town of Allegany board opted to do a year-long study on a proposal for a windmill farm in the community. The study was in response to interests expressed by the Everpower Renewables company in Manhattan, which is looking at the town of Allegany to build a wind turbine farm.

ARKWRIGHT — The ayes carried the vote Tuesday night, passing the local law governing wind energy development in the Town of Arkwright.

But, it wasn’t unanimous.

Councilmen Jeff Dietrich and Roger Prince voted no while Councilmen Larry Ball and Dan Dietzen were joined by Supervisor Fred Norton in voting yes.

Prior to the vote, Dietrich introduced an amendment that called for extending the setbacks, which was in keeping with a petition presented to the board signed by 84 town residents.

Supervisor Pat Eaton said the hearing is required by state law for the wind mill issue as the town has called for a moratorium, or suspension of activity, until the planning board can research the matter. The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 10 in the town hall and the public is encouraged to attend to give their thoughts and opinions on the matter.

Town of Allegany officials announced at Thursday’s meeting that a public hearing will be held Aug. 10 for a wind mill proposal and water rate increases in the town.