Clear Skies Above Barre, Inc.

Local groups oppose ALJs' wind project decision

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

Kate Kremer, Jan 3, 2022

Apex has done it again. As with the Lighthouse Wind and Galloo Island Wind projects, Apex’s Heritage Wind project in Orleans County is proposed in an environmentally sensitive area. (See my prior commentary on this issue: Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, Dec. 4, 2018.) The impending disaster for birds and bats would be hard to detect and, other than removal of turbines, impossible to repair.

On Dec. 9, 2021, Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) reviewing the proposed Heritage Wind project issued a decision that ignores the massive number of birds migrating through the project area. The ALJs’ decision favors the developer, Apex, and recommends that New York tolerate a grave risk to birds. The recommendation signals that Heritage Wind is on the fast track for approval. Continued...

Are 33 very tall turbines really what's best for Town of Barre?

Orleans Hub

Posted 28 October 2021 at 7:48 am

To my friends, neighbors, and fellow residents of the Town of Barre. My wife Diane and I moved here in 1985. Our home was a wonderful place to raise our kids, build our business, and enjoy the wonderful country and farming environment.

Since we moved here there were two tries to build a landfill and one attempt at a giant professional go-cart track, all of which were fought to defeat by farmers and residents. Now we are faced with the installation of 33 skyscrapers in Barre.

The wind turbines proposed here are reported to be between 650 and 680 feet tall, although no one seems to know for sure how tall they will really be when they are installed. The Five Star Bank building where I broadcast from in Rochester is 284 feet tall, at 21 stories and you can see that building from 20 miles out. Continued...

Conflicted Barre officials didn't follow proper procedures with turbine project

Orleans Hub

Posted 28 October 2021 at 7:19 am

It was stated in an earlier letter for the residents of Barre not to support one-issue candidates that oppose turbines. I guess voting for one-issue candidates that are family members to leaseholders is OK.

The town board, planning board, and zoning board are currently stacked with conflicted members that have pushed through the wind project with disregard to proper procedure and ethics. Continued...

Owning land doesn't give right to negatively impact neighbors

Orleans Hub

Posted 27 October 2021 at 10:22 am

“It’s their land, let them do what they want,” is frequently quoted by some bloggers who believe 700’ tall wind turbines and acres upon acres of solar panels should be allowed anywhere and everywhere.

However, fortunately, we live in a society where one is not always allowed to do exactly as they choose…we do, after all, live in a society which abounds with rules and laws meant to protect the health and welfare of the public as well as the environment around us. Continued...

Parent in Barre says most town officials haven't responded to her concerns about turbines

Orleans Hub

Posted 9 June 2021 at 8:54 am

With regards to the upcoming primary election on June 22, two town council positions will be available. It is important for the Town of Barre residents to have a voice, be able to express concerns on all matters, and have people in town council positions who have the best interest of all residents.

On November 4, 2020 I submitted an email to all four town council board members including the town supervisor expressing my concerns regarding six 680-foot-high wind turbines being placed all within ¾ of a mile from my residence.

My four-year-old child was diagnosed with autism two years ago. Autism is a neurological developmental disorder. All children with autism have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) which causes their nervous system to respond to stimuli much different than an ordinary individual.

People with autism are extra sensitive to sound and visual disturbances due to the abnormal neural connectivity in their brain which can impact their ability to function daily. Therefore, close proximity of wind turbines to an individual with autism can severely impact their quality of life due to the shadow flicker, audible noise, and infrasound. It is important to note that only one town council board member responded to my letter addressing these concerns. Continued...

State, wind energy developer need protections for Barre with many unknowns in 'experiment'

Orleans Hub

Posted 24 May 2021

After reading the many comments posted on the State’s DMM site regarding the proposed wind project in the Town of Barre, it occurs to me that what we have here is an experiment: We have a new approval process (Section 94-c); we have a project using larger machines than have ever been used in a densely populated rural part of the United States (680 ft. tall); and the wind resource is far from ideal.

All the experts, on both sides, are of necessity basing their opinions on extrapolations of past experience with different conditions. So we don’t really know whether people’s health or property values will suffer, or whether the project will actually produce the amount of electricity promised.

If the state is going to use the people of Barre as subjects in this experiment, it should also provide some measure of protection for them in case the promises and assurances made to them by the state and the developer turn out to be false. Continued...

Numerous improprieties were committed at the Barre Board Meeting of Feb. 10, 2021

Firstly, Alexander Nacca requested that the Town Board obtain the safety regulations and requirements for the 700-foot-tall wind turbines that Apex proposes to build from the manufacturer at the virtual Public Hearing on Dec. 4, 2020. The town did not answer his request Should the safety not be the core element of the Town's Wind Laws?

Secondly, prior to the meeting a letter was submitted to the Town Board of Barre by the attorney representing Citizen[s] for a Better Barre which detailed the many irregularities and illegalities of Apex/Heritage Wind Industrial Wind Turbine Project and the Town Board. None of the issues raised by the letter were ever discussed or responded to. Continued...

CORRECTION to publication: Iva McKenna's phone number is 716-474-1865, and checks can be made out to "Clear Skies Above Barre."

Time running out for residents to share concerns about gaps in Heritage Wind application

Orleans Hub

Posted 12 May 2021 at 7:16 am

New York State has established a new fast-tracked route for large-scale renewable energy projects (over 25 megawatts) to obtain a certificate of operation. The new regulations that have been established seem to be very much advantageous to the developer, to the extent that if an application is not decided upon by one year of the application submission, a certificate is automatically granted.

The proposed Heritage Wind Project proposes 33 industrial wind turbines 686 feet tall for the town of Barre. The application has been submitted to the 94-C process, and right now is possibly the only opportunity for public involvement, which can be done through comments on the ORES site.

Link to share comments on this application, click here or by attending the virtual (webex) public comment hearing on May 20, 2021. Participants must register to participate by 10 a.m. on May 19 for Public Statement Hearing Via webex.com or Via phone: 1-800-342-3330.

The Town of Barre board members were shared with on Monday (May 3, 2021) for the first time a presentation by an attorney hired by the Town to represent the Town in this matter and informed that the 60-day public comment period will end on May 21 at 5 p.m., and in their (Knawf and Shaw, Labella Engineering and Town Attorney) review of the application they found many significant areas where the application does not comply with the Town’s recently revised local law. Below is a brief list of some of the areas where compliance is not met. Continued...

Time running out for residents to share concerns about gaps in Heritage Wind application

Orleans Hub

Posted 12 May 2021 at 7:16 am

Turbine issue should go to public vote in Barre

Orleans Hub

Posted 27 March 2021 at 11:08 am

Editor:

My wife and I had our house built in 1973 in the Town of Barre. Because we have lived here such a long time, I believe we should have a right to vote on allowing wind turbines here in Barre.

As far as I know only Barre Town Board members have voted on behalf of Barre residents. In my opinion this is not proper because ___ . You fill in the blanks yourself.

I know at this point in time, you may say you’re too late. I am saying let’s finally have a town vote. Then will we know if the board members voted correctly in representing the voters in Barre. What is your opinion? Continued...

Barre Town Board should have tabled late-night meeting about wind turbine law

Orleans Hub

Posted 11 February 2021 at 8:21 am

Editor:

About three hours into the Town of Barre board meeting on Feb. 10, the board turned their backs on their fellow board member, Mrs. Kerri Richardson. After requesting tabling the discussion and moving to adjourn the meeting, she was met with heartless indifference. Her personal concerns for focus and her 2-month-old baby at home were brushed aside.

Not only did the board dismiss Mrs. Richardson’s concerns, they discredited their own residents. Desperately trying to participate despite the dwindling hours and crackling phone call, the board forgot we even existed!

“Pushing through” was all that was cared about. Just getting it done to be “done” with it. I am disgusted to live in a community that cares so little of the residents it supposedly represents. We are not much of a community when we stomp out compassion.

Mrs. Kerri Richardson, thank you for representing the residents of Barre and striving to serve this community with integrity and love. This board does not represent us. Your hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Link to letter

Rob Ortt is listening to his constituents

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

Feb 5, 2021

New York state senator Rob Ortt has been tracking multiple renewable energy projects proposed in his district for several years. He is aware of his constituents’ views, both for and against such projects, and has witnessed communities divided. Unlike those who have no qualms seeing the corporate industrialization of vast areas of rural New York with few questions asked, Senator Ortt has listened to specific concerns raised. Continued...

Barre officials should have given residents more notice of public hearing on wind ordinance

Orleans Hub

Posted 4 December 2020 at 10:07 am

Hello, Town of Barre residents, property owners and surrounding community members. This evening is scheduled for a public hearing in regards to the proposed changes to our Wind Ordinance.

I wanted to share the specifics of what I shared with my fellow Town Board members in regards to the decision to continue to hold the public hearing this evening, and ensuring transparency, effective communication, and serving the residents and property owners of Barre to the best of our abilities.

I understand that we have met most of the minimum legal requirements to hold the public hearing this evening; however, I do not believe that we have done what is in the best interest of the residents of our community to enable them to feel that they are being heard, and have the opportunity to share with us as their elected officials their support and/or concerns in regards to the proposed changes to our Wind Ordinance. Continued...

Local expert opposes and lists the many flaws of the proposed wind ordinance in letter to Town Board

Facebook

From: Andrea Rebeck

September 28, 2020

This communication is to notify you that I am opposed to the passage of Local Law No. 2 of the Year 2020, which proposes to amend, repeal and supplement the Town of Barre Zoning Ordinance Chapter 350 referencing Zoning and Wind Energy Conversion Systems. The existing law has flaws that need to be addressed, but the proposed changes to this law not only fail to address those, they appear to have been created to tailor the law to the specific project proposed by Apex/Heritage Wind of Charlottesville, VA. They completely fail to provide protections for the health and welfare, both physical and financial, of the people living and/or owning property in the Town of Barre.

Among the shortcomings of the proposed law, the most egregious are the following: Continued...

To All Concerned Residents of Barre:

Lake Country Pennysaver

September 27, 2020 Page 9

In response to the application filed by Apex, the Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment sent them a letter identifying seventeen problems they had to fix before the application could move forward to formal consideration.

How can it be the case that a huge company like Apex, who employs many lawyers, submits an application so badly written that the Electric Generation Siting board finds seventeen deficiencies in it that have to be fixed before the application can even be considered? Don't all these lawyers between them have the competency to fill out an application? The experience Apex boasts of having in this area would suggest they shouldn't be making these mistakes.

We would like to explain and discuss the many problems with their application here for you to understand.

Problem 1) Continued...

Proposed Barre wind turbine ordinance doesn't address health, property value concerns

Orleans Hub

Posted 20 September 2020 at 9:11 am

To Barre and surrounding community residents, as an elected Barre Town Board member, I believe that it is vital that you know about the proposed wind ordinance that is being proposed by our Town Board. Below are listed some, but not all, of the changes and lack of changes that impact residents’ health, safety and enjoyment of property:

• Setback distance remains as 1.5 times the tip height from any residential or commercial structure. The town law does not protect resident safety from increased noise, increased length of blades, increased turbine height and increased speed of rotation in new turbines. Because this setback is not from the property line – like most setback requirements – it does not protect the property rights of neighboring properties.

• If a resident wants to subdivide their property or build another residential or commercial building on their property, they may not be allowed to due to the setback requirement set upon them because of this ordinance.

• This is one of the least restrictive setbacks in NY State. Many towns are establishing setbacks at a minimum of a half mile and many are adding restrictions of one mile or more from schools, churches and parks.

• The noise regulations do not meet the suggested standards of the New York State Department of Health in its letter to the Siting Board on March 2020. The noise standards do not use the most current World Health Organization standards released in 2018. The proposed town law will not protect the public from industrial turbine noise.

• There is no property value guarantee.

Continued...

...If any or all of these issues are concerning to you, or if you have other concerns, please attend the public hearing on Sept. 30th at 6:30 p.m. in the Barre Highway Garage and express your concerns. Or write letters, emails, or make phone calls to your elected officials and share your concerns.

READ THE PROPOSED BARRE WIND LAW HERE

Write our officials! Click Here

State legislators, congressman urged to fight against proposed wind energy project in Barre

Orleans Hub

Posted 31 August 2020 at 9:54 am

I was asked to share a copy of my letter to Congressman Jacobs, Senator Ortt, and Assemblyman Hawley along with the photo:

Dear Sirs,

This email is regarding frivolous spending at the cost of our schools and our students’ education.

The attached photo is of our field. We love the wide open spaces here in our town. Please, look at the picture again, only this time imagine 3 of 33 wind turbines just beyond the tree line in the back. 680 feet tall—that is more than 3 NYS Capitol Buildings stacked one on top of each other. Imagine them with blades spinning at well over 220 mph. They would tower into the line of the lower clouds. I did not move and build here to see monstrous structures, but if Governor Cuomo has his way, whether we want them or not, he will have 3 placed there and right now, at the extreme cost of education. We do not need the Heritage Wind Project, that money needs to go to our schools right now! Continued...

Barre survey shows opposition level consistent with response in Yates, Somerset to wind turbines

Orleans Hub

Posted 14 August 2020 at 7:50 am

The results of a recent survey of Barre households relating to Heritage Wind conducted by George McKenna are very revealing. They track very closely those of three similar surveys relating to Apex Project Light House Wind.

I refer to independent surveys done by the Townships of Somerset and Yates and Save Ontario Shores (SOS). All show a significant response from the public (35-40%) and a grass roots opposition to the siting of industrial wind turbines of more than two to one (2:1).

We that are most affected by the Industrialization of our communities are not being fooled. We understand the hazards and detrimental effects of industrialization and what it will do long term, to a rural community. Continued...

Barre survey, even with 35% response rate, shows resounding opposition to turbines

Orleans Hub

Posted 12 August 2020 at 9:03 am

On August 10, the Orleans Hub reported on the results of the survey compiled by George McKenna regarding acceptance or opposition to the proposed Heritage Wind project in Barre.

In summary, 735 surveys were sent out, with 258 returned (35 percent) and 176 of those 258 returned (68 percent) offering a resounding NO to the project.

A previous letter to the editor suggested that those results indicate only a 20 percent objection to the project (176 of 735). Sorry, but that math is completely invalid. Continued...

Response rate for Barre survey well above average

Orleans Hub

Posted 11 August 2020 at 2:20 pm

Big kudos to Dr. McKenna (“well-to-do-radical”) for fighting with more than his own opinion. Any “real pollster” would understand that a 35% response rate is at the very top of the norm.
I’m not in this fight but I recognize good, righteous effort, which is hard to find in these dark times. Continued...

Governor can best meet energy goals with nuclear plants sited downstate

Orleans Hub

Posted 28 July 2020 at 11:27 am

... Lesson to Sustainable Westchester and Governor Cuomo: Just because there are not skyscrapers on rural Western New York land does not mean that land is vacant and unused. Fully 100% of all rural land in Western New York is utilized in growing food for Downstate as well as providing a clean environment for constituents and wildlife in kind. Continued...

Rural New Yorkers again at the mercy of Albany bureaucrats

The Buffalo News

Jul 24, 2020

If there ever was a governor more committed to the old axiom, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” it’s Andrew Cuomo.

In his efforts for New York to become the greenest state in the nation, the governor secretly devised a plan to circumvent two potentially pesky obstacles – the state constitution and local governments.

Due to a new fast-tracked law called Section 94c, local governments in upstate and rural New York are now at the mercy of a new state agency, controlled by the governor, to decide which industrial wind and solar projects will be sited in their municipalities. Local laws to protect public health, environment, property values, recreation and tourism, etc., are swept aside in favor of the governor’s agenda.

The New York Department of State is now charged with establishing zoning and siting standards for industrial wind and solar over the course of four public hearings in the next several months. A recent state action speaks volumes for what a sham this process will be. Continued...

Barre, Apex should buy out residents who don't want turbines

Orleans Hub

Posted 29 June 2020 at 8:25 am

Recently at the Barre Town Board meeting, the town supervisor said he was going to let Heritage Wind LLC/Apex Clean Energy change our town industrial wind turbine laws. The company will work with our town attorney, Labella Associates and Apex attorney Knauf.

Without any input from residents that have to live with these 700-foot-tall 33 industrial wind turbine monsters. I am now seeking a full buyout option from the Town of Barre and Heritage Wind LLC/Apex Clean for any resident who does not want to participate in the turbine project.

I am asking any attorney to put this in a letter to the Town of Barre. I am doing this on behalf of every resident in the Town of Barre who will be directly impacted by this project.

Please feel free to get a hold of me and I will add you to our list of residents. Continued...

Rural New York pays price as NYC benefits

Albany Times Union

June 25, 2020 | Updated: June 25, 2020 6:40 p.m.

Recently, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced plans to spur economic recovery through public works projects. He listed renovation of LaGuardia Airport in Queens, rebuilding Penn Station in New York City, and building transmission lines from Western New York to New York City, allowing wind and solar energy generated upstate to be sent downstate.

All of these projects are focused on New York City, the governor's hometown.

The inclusion of upstate renewables shows Cuomo forcing upstate, with its 90 percent zero emissions electricity, to shoulder the burden of producing and transmitting energy downstate.

The governor has admitted the infrastructure is not in place to transmit this power to New York City. It will be years before transmission lines can be built. Local opposition to transmission and additional industrial renewable projects will be intense.

Every tree that is cut down, every property that is devalued, every bird that is killed as a result of these projects is for the benefit of his hometown. Every rural community torn apart by this controversy will suffer. Continued...

Barre resident's survey seeks 100% response from community regarding wind energy project

Orleans Hub

Posted 16 June 2020 at 9:46 am

I, George McKenna, sent a letter to every resident in the Town of Barre. I included a paid postage envelope to return a simple vote. I asked households to choose the statement that best corresponded with their belief on the proposed industrial wind turbine project in Barre.

This letter to the editor is to give all residents of Barre first-hand answers to some of the questions that were being asked about this letter at the June 10th Town Board meeting.

1. Why does the voting page have a number on it?

This was done by the local company I used to send the letters out. It is for the sole purpose of authenticity. The number ensures that no vote is duplicated. Each household only has one vote.

2. Can the number on the voting page be traced back to me?

There is NO WAY to trace the number back to you. Continued...

In New York and New England, Wind Energy Projects Are "Like Siting Landfills. Nobody Wants Them."

Real Clean Energy

by Robert Bryce

June 1, 2020

New York has some of America’s most ambitious climate goals. By 2030, the state is supposed to be deriving 70 percent of its electricity from renewables and have 100 percent carbon-free power by 2040. But renewable-energy projects are facing stiff opposition from rural New York communities that don’t want wind and solar projects in their neighborhoods.

The raging land-use battles in New York over renewable-energy siting aren’t just about property rights and home rule, they are also about geography and class. New York is becoming a wind-energy plantation for New England. Furthermore, some of the state’s poorest counties are being targeted by some of the biggest wind projects. Continued...

Barre election results in November shouldn't be viewed as a community in favor of turbines

Orleans Hub

Posted 11 May 2020 at 11:18 am

I am getting tired of some Barre Town Board members and another individual at the town meetings saying that the majority of the Barre’s residents support the wind turbine project due to the election results.

The election was not a referendum on the turbine project. The results of the survey and petitions demonstrate that equating the election with approval of the turbine project would be false. Copies of the survey cards and petition were sent to the NYS Sitting Board to be made part of the official record. Continued...

Apex grant program is diversion from an industrial-size project against rural character of community

Orleans Hub

Posted 13 April 2020 at 9:09 am

Apex Clean Energy recently announced The Heritage Wind Community Grant Program. This is an attempt by Apex own admission to obtain favor and gain support for the proposed Heritage Wind Project in Barre.

This program comes at a curious time that coincides with Apex submittal of the formal application to the Article 10 Siting Board. This is a diversion from the real issue which is to review and respond to the formal application.

Perhaps Apex would like to “Build Healthy Communities, Promote Economic Development, and be Stewards of the Environment.” However many in the townships of Yates and Somerset have seen a different side of Apex, the one exposed in the six-year battle against proposed Lighthouse Wind.

We have seen a company which completely disregards the desires of the general public who have overwhelmingly rejected the proposed Lighthouse Wind, no less than three times in independently conducted surveys, and countless meetings and public hearings.

We have seen a company which disregards the long standing objectives of Town Comprehensive Plans, a key one of which is to “preserve the rural character of our towns.”

We have seen a company that disregards our local laws regarding the siting of Industrial wind turbines and associated equipment. Continued...

With closed public buildings and poor internet service, Apex’s lengthy application is hard to access

Orleans Hub

Posted 31 March 2020 at 8:58 am

I read that Apex Heritage Wind LLC submitted an application to the state February 26, 2020 for an industrial wind project in the town of Barre.

However, I can not access it because all the libraries and the town hall are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

My internet access is limited to my phone which will not download a lot of pages. I am sure that there are many others with little or no internet.

Is New York doing anything about this? Has the government suspended the process while we are dealing with closures and social distancing? Continued...

Governor shouldn’t take away local control in siting large-scale renewable energy projects

Orleans Hub

Posted 25 March 2020 at 8:44 am

Replacing Article 10 procedures for siting clean energy production facilities with an Article 23 process is a serious mistake. Overriding local decision making with state directives for siting solar and wind energy projects assumes towns and counties cannot rationally decide what is in their best interests. Continued...

Cuomo’s plan to fast-track siting energy projects takes away local control

Orleans Hub

Posted 14 March 2020 at 12:24 pm

... In reality, the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act has much to do with Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and nothing to do with Community Benefit or Home Rule.

A few of the dangerous and frightening tenets of Article 23: Continued...

Cuomo's energy siting plan shuts out communities

Times Union

Jim Simon | March 8, 2020

Much to my dismay but not to my surprise, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is attempting to accelerate industrial wind and solar energy development at the behest of out-of-state developers and at the expense of our citizens, towns, environment, state lawmakers and even the state agencies responsible for permitting power plants.

New Yorkers have operated for almost a decade under what is called Article 10 (the current power plant siting law). However, under the guise of a last-minute amendment to the state budget process referred to as Article 23, the governor's proposal will eviscerate the state constitution's home rule provisions by eliminating the role of local zoning laws, allowing for eminent domain confiscations of land, gutting critical environmental review and limiting a town's taxation and assessment powers. This is a power grab, pure and simple. Continued...

Wind Power Development in New York…..Where?

Facebook

Alle Catt Wind Turbine Concerns

When you take a close and careful look at the land mass of New York State it is clear to see that the potential for large scale wind development is very limited. We persist with aggressive efforts under state renewable energy goals to build out wind power in the State. But when you consider honestly where that is likely or even possible to happen, much less fair, it is realistically very constrained, and highly suspect from the standpoint of environmental justice. Continued...

Barre officials should focus on bringing water and sewer services to town, not turbines

Orleans Hub

Posted 26 February 2020 at 8:43 am

...Parts of Barre do not have public sewers, water and access to cable. Electricity is also inconsistent with lines bowing down to head height. Why isn’t the town trying to make available services that people require to make their lives better?

Why does this project only benefit land owners of farming acres? Is all this effort being expended for a company that is acquiring energy and none of it is for Barre?

People live in Barre for the beauty. Wind turbines certainly ruin that. Continued...

Rural residents need to be heard in green energy debate

The Buffalo News

Published December 28, 2019

The Buffalo News’ editorial, “The climate challenge,” admits local “concerns should be heard,” admonishes climate deniers, and then proclaims full speed ahead on large scale wind and solar projects across the state.

Its tone reflects a problem that goes beyond this editorial. Rural residents are being labeled as fossil-fuel-funded climate deniers, which conveniently dismisses us as misinformed, resisting change and uncaring about the environment. Our concerns bring rolled eyes and shrugged shoulders from developers, environmental groups and the media. The editorial says our objections should not stop the work of renewables, as if we are against renewables. Rural communities support renewables when approved by citizens and when they fit the character of their community. Continued...

Clear Skies did not sent controversial postcard in Barre

Orleans Hub

Posted 29 November 2019 at 10:55 am

On November 6 at Clear Skies Above Barre, Inc. monthly public meeting, Larry Gaylard, a standing Town Board member, said that a postcard previously sent out to at least one family in our community was sent by Clear Skies Above Barre, Inc.

This postcard contained malicious innuendo pertaining to leaseholders in the proposed industrial wind project. Having been shared on social media by the family that received it, rumors and now accusations about who sent the unaddressed postcard are circulating.

Clear Skies Above Barre did not send out this postcard nor do we have any further knowledge as to where it came from or who may have received it. We will not condone such malice in our community. Our mission is to protect the community of Barre while valuing a sense of community and neighborhood relations. Many members have expressed disgust of the postcard and heavy hearted sadness that our organization would be accused of sending it. Continued...

Residential/agricultural zoned districts shouldn't have industrial-size structures

Orleans Hub

Posted 5 November 2019 at 4:13 pm

Property rights does not mean “without regard to others and without regard to local laws.” One cannot build anything/anywhere they desire – it’s called zoning for a reason. Continued...

Barre needs town officials who will look out for all residents

Orleans Hub

Posted 4 November 2019 at 6:44 am

In September 2019, over 60 lawsuits were filed in Northern Chautauqua County with the State Supreme Court by residents against a wind turbine company with various complaints (from people suffering from nuisances, health effects or loss of property values because of the placement of the turbines). Continued...

Clear Skies says it's committed to sharing information about proposed wind project in Barre

Orleans Hub

Posted 3 November 2019 at 8:26 am

Clear Skies Above Barre, in response to a postcard recently sent out to the residents of Barre which contained inaccurate information in direct regard to our organization, makes the following statements: Continued...

Be wary of pro-turbine pitches from leaseholders, who stand to gain financially from projects

Orleans Hub

Posted 1 November 2019 at 9:22 am

It is not surprising that a leaseholder would attack my cautionary letter to Barre as there can be very large sums of money involved for leaseholder residents. They are well paid for the impact that the turbines will have on their property.

Our experience from Apex in Somerset and Yates is that they consider leaseholders as project “participants,” have special meetings with them, and give them information others do not have. This included information that Apex did not give to our town boards and town supervisors. Continued...

County Legislature should take a stand on wind turbines in Barre

Orleans Hub

Posted 29 October 2019 at 9:40 am

...To me, the 10 towns in Orleans County are a team. When one (Barre, in this case) struggles, the entire team can suffer adverse consequences. And there will be plenty in my estimation.

Our intrepid Legislature doesn’t constitute an official coaching staff for the 10-member team, but isn’t it logical to expect the head coach to help one of his/her team members with a problem that might well adversely affect the entire team (County)? Continued...

Barre Center: "What's Wrong" or "What's Right"

Lake Country Pennysaver

October, 27, 2019

...Do we really want to trade off all that we came here for just for some promised money? Do we want neighbors who have been our friends all these years living here in Barre to be our enemies? I don't know about the rest of Barre residents, but as for myself, I would rather have the God-given gifts and my Barre friends any day than have these towering, loud, eye-sore beasts hovering over what I would call our very own beautiful piece of God's creation. Continued...

Specifics still lacking with wind turbine proposal in Barre

Orleans Hub

Posted 9 October 2019 at 8:26 am

We see signs going up all over our town implying lower taxes. Well the first question on everybody’s mind is, “How much?” When we ask this question we don’t get any answers, either from Apex Energy or the any of our current town board members. All we get is more signs.

Next, the citizenry wants to ask how much will Heritage Wind put in a bond to cover the diminished real estate values of our homes if a project is approved by our board or New York State? Strangely enough, no answer to that question either.

Then we ask how much real tax revenue would the our town’s people receive without a PILOT program? No answer to that one either. Continued...

Barre won't get full financial benefit advertised by Heritage Wind with turbine project

Orleans Hub

Posted 3 October 2019 at 6:46 am

I sincerely hope that the residents of the Town of Barre do not believe the ads bought by Apex promoting how much money the town will have by accepting Heritage Wind into the community.

Apex is very adept at misleading the public and Town Boards. Continued...

Studies should include impact of turbine noise on wildlife

Orleans Hub

Posted 12 September 2019 at 10:37 am

I just read the article about noise from wind turbines and wasn’t surprised by what I read. Since the noise from the wind turbines causes problems with 10 percent of the human population, what does it do to the domesticated animal and wildlife populations? Continued...

Barre residents shouldn't let differing opinions on issues get in the way of neighborliness

Orleans Hub

Posted 17 August 2019 at 5:51 pm

I am proud to be a resident of the Town of Barre. For those who enjoy rural life, Barre is second to none. Continued...

Big turbines, high lake levels concern Yates resident

Orleans Hub

Posted 17 July 2019 at 3:50 pm

If you have property in Niagara or Orleans County and it is located on the south shore of Lake Ontario, you know you have big problems outside your control. Continued...

Rural communities doing their share to protect environment by keeping open spaces

Orleans Hub

Posted 16 July 2019 at 4:21 pm

Much credit should be given to the officials of Cambria, Pendleton and the Niagara County Legislature for their recently declared opposition to the 900-acre Solar Wind “Farm” proposed by Cypress Creek Renewables. Continued...

Yates town supervisor says NY not doing 'clean government' in promoting clean energy

Orleans Hub

Posted 1 July 2019 at 4:31 pm

On April 23, 2019, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced their third annual solicitation for large-scale renewable energy proposals under the state’s Clean Energy Standard. NY taxpayers concerned about the rapid increase in sprawling industrial wind projects should take heed. Continued...

Barre Town Board shouldn't have held important meeting at noon, when many residents couldn't attend

Orleans Hub

Posted 5 June 2019 at 7:47 am

I am alarmed, but unfortunately not surprised, by the actions of the Barre Town Board, under Supervisor Sean Pogue. Last Wednesday, May 29, at noon the Town Board hosted a workshop to discuss a “Host Community Agreement.” Of interest was the notice of the meeting was posted once in the Batavia Daily by the Town, but was not listed on their website nor found via any other source. Continued...

Questionable actions: Apex's use of helicopter may have scared eagles off Galloo

NNY360

May 31, 2019

Once again, Apex Clean Energy has engaged in dubious behavior when it comes to the wildlife population on Galloo Island. Continued...

Loss of trees and hedgerows, and prospect of turbines, put countryside in peril locally

Orleans Hub

Posted 23 May 2019 at 6:55 am

(This speech was given to the Orleans County Sportsmen’s Federation on May 21.) I was asked to come here tonight to talk about current events that effect every person living in Orleans, Genesee, and Niagara counties one way or another. Continued...

Turbines only offer 'crumbs' of benefits, while damaging landscape

Orleans Hub

Posted 11 May 2019 at 8:08 am

We note several letters in support of industrial wind in Barre.

The lack of understanding of what these turbines will do for the community is quite alarming. Continued...

Tour of Sheldon wind farm confirmed concerns about project in Barre

Orleans Hub

Posted 2 May 2019 at 3:24 pm

On Monday April 29, 2019, Heritage Wind LLC hosted a tour of the High Sheldon Wind Farm to expose the community of the proposed Heritage Wind Project to the supposed benefits of an industrial wind project. There were about 42 people in attendance: 6 employed by Apex (and a relative), 2 friends of Apex employees, 8 lease signers from the proposed project area, others from the Yates area, and Sierra Club members. My estimate is that, including myself, there were only 5 residents of Barre who were not lease signers. Continued...

Barre should be working on revenue plan with Apex project, while experts look at other issues

Orleans Hub

Posted 30 April 2019 at 9:01 pm

After the positive responses I received from my letter outlining things to look for in a PILOT agreement in Barre with wind turbines, I received immediate personal responses from people in several townships expressing dissatisfaction. Continued...

Councilman says Apex should make an appropriate departure from Yates, Somerset

Orleans Hub

Posted 24 April 2019 at 8:09 am

On April 11, 2019, Apex Clean Energy officially informed the Towns of Yates and Somerset that: “…Apex Clean Energy has decided not to advance the Lighthouse Wind permit application for a 2019 submittal at this time.” Continued...

2 farms in Barre closing property to hunters, snowmobilers after anti-turbine push by sportsmen

Orleans Hub

Posted 22 April 2019 at 6:52 am

This is my response to all members of the Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and those who have signed an anti-wind postcard from Citizens for a Better Barre.

Your privileges have been suspended from using our property for snowmobiling, four-wheeling, or hunting, and I encourage other leaseholders to follow suit. Continued...

Details are lacking with Apex's proposed Barre project

Orleans Hub

Posted 19 April 2019 at 9:20 am

Three months ago the Barre Town Board made a decision to make no changes to our current wind ordinance in light of the proposed Heritage Wind project. Continued...

Communities should consider many factors with PILOT agreements for wind energy

Orleans Hub

Posted 18 April 2019 at 10:44 am

Wind energy is going to happen sometime, somewhere. I write only about the economics of a PILOT – a payment in lieu of tax agreement which can reduce the energy producer’s taxes and costs. The check list should include full disclosure and examination of the following: Continued...

Town supervisors in Yates, Somerset say environmental groups are not looking out for rural residents

Orleans Hub

Posted 2 April 2019 at 9:16 pm

The New York League of Conservation Voters now joins the Sierra Club in their condescending call for speeding up the process for large-scale wind and solar projects in order to meet Governor Cuomo’s unrealistic and politically contrived renewable energy goals for New York State. Continued...

Barre resident wants more disclosure from Apex on the company's experts

Orleans Hub

Posted 31 March 2019 at 8:15 pm

On March 20, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. someone held what they would like to call a focus group at the Clarendon fire hall complex. Continued...

Barre should seek full taxation for turbines, not a PILOT

Orleans Hub

Posted 26 March 2019 at 7:27 am

The residents of Barre need to know that Heritage Wind, AKA, Apex, would like the town of Barre to agree to a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program. This is unsettling because... Continued...

Hydropower is best answer for renewable energy

Orleans Hub

Posted 11 March 2019 at 12:10 pm

The chart indicates the percentage of renewable energy being uploaded to the NYS electrical grid at that moment in time.

Please note that the hundreds of industrial wind turbines in this state were contributing 0.47 percent to the grid. And yet as taxpayers and ratepayers were are supposed to believe that somehow we can rely on wind power to ﬁll this modern society’s need for steady electrical power. Sadly, wind is intermittent. Moreover, this chart indicates that at 6:55 p.m. on Feb. 28, it was almost nonexistent. Continued...

Wind factories threaten our health and well-being

The Buffalo News

Published February 21, 2019

The ongoing push by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and his pals in the wind industry to cover rural New York State with industrial wind factories is a needless attack on our natural environment, and the health, safety and welfare of citizens and targeted communities. Continued...

Lease holders should consider liability if turbines cause medical problems for neighbors

Orleans Hub

Posted 13 February 2019 at 7:07 pm

People living near wind turbines in the United States, Canada, and around the world are claiming to have medical conditions caused by the wind turbines.

Lawsuits are being filed against the wind turbine projects.

Lawsuits are being filed against the landowners with wind turbines. Continued...

Apex would not have been a good neighbor

NNY360

Feb 12, 2019

I find it interesting that a representative for Apex Clean Energy said (according to WWNY/News 7 on Feb. 8) that “the decision to withdraw the permit application was not influenced by project opposition.”

If that’s the case, it’s a clear indictment of Apex’s total disregard for residents and businesses in proximity of their projects. Continued...

Giant turbines will make area less attractive for residents

Orleans Hub

Posted 1 February 2019 at 2:37 pm

It defies common sense. There is no study that can convince me that any normal human being would actually gravitate to a community where homes are dwarfed by giant 591-foot industrial wind turbines. Continued...

Large turbines will give future generations a different view of local wildlife

Orleans Hub

Posted 20 January 2019 at 3:01 pm

“Speed kills”; “Haste makes waste”; “Short term gain, long term pain”; “Those in the biggest hurry to get there often have the least idea where they are going”. The last one is mine.

The Town of Barre in Orleans County was targeted for a reason. Continued...

Barre Town Board did a ruse over several months in seeking feedback on revised wind ordinance

Orleans Hub

Posted 18 January 2019 at 8:55 am

So, the Barre Town Board passed a resolution recommending that no changes be made to our current wind ordinance in light of Apex’s proposal to erect 47 industrial wind factories in our town. Surprised? No. Continued...

Bald eagle parents and juvenile spotted in Barre

Orleans Hub

Posted 9 January 2019 at 2:50 pm

I have been watching a Bald Eagle in Barre for over 15 years. Continued...

Wind turbines don't look like green energy compared to environmental toll from construction

Orleans Hub

Posted 20 November 2018 at 7:24 pm

Heritage Wind LLC/Apex Clean Energy is not-so-green energy for our towns of Barre, Yates and Somerset.

Do you know it takes tons of copper, steel, electric wires, underground cables, over-head cables, high-voltage tension towers made from steel, tons of concrete, steel mesh for the base of the wind turbine, access roads made of stone that have to be trucked in by the huge dump trucks that burn fossil fuel and heavy equipment to grade the areas of the wind project? Continued...

Turn it down

NNY360

Nov 18, 2018

Administrative law judges are allowing two state agencies to draft new stipulations for Apex Clean Energy’s application for an Article 10 review of its proposed wind turbines on Galloo Island.

Apex failed to disclose the existence of a bald eagle nest on Galloo in its application for the 109-megawatt project. Continued...

Somerset official says Apex specializes in misinformation

Orleans Hub

Posted 1 October 2018 at 10:35 pm

It has been 3 1/2 years now since Apex Clean Energy held its first and only public information meeting at the Barker Fire Hall on April 1, 2015. Since that day there has been no divulging of Lighthouse Wind project details released to the public. What residents have learned, however, is that Apex’s employs slick and deceptive practices. Continued...

On the road to truthiness

NNY360

Sep 21, 2018

We recently ran a story about opponents of the Galloo Island Wind Farm project demanding that developer Apex Clean Energy be disqualified and denied a permit because of apparent lies made in more than one application filing. Continued...

Wind turbines threaten property values in Chautauqua County

The Buffalo News

Published June 7, 2018

After 15 years of contentious planning, an industrial wind turbine facility is being installed in Chautauqua County’s Township of Arkwright. Travelers along the New York State Thruway can observe this icon of the Anthropocene rising above the forested farms and homes just to the east of the highway. Continued...

Turbine construction and maintenance have negative impacts on environment

Orleans Hub

Posted 20 February 2018 at 9:01 am

These 600-plus feet industrial wind turbines do not materialize out of thin air. The Mineral Information Institute slogan states that if it can’t be grown it has to be mined. All of the raw materials have to be mined or drilled.

The cement, gravel, and rebar to form the concrete base are mined. Steel and cast iron to build the tower is mined. Copper for the electrical wire to transmit electricity both inside and transmission is mined and its plastic coatings are made from oil (drilled). Continued...

Leaseholders for turbines should consider impact on neighbors

Orleans Hub

Posted 11 January 2018 at 7:47 pm

Those proponents of Lighthouse Wind, and particularly those who have leased land to Apex on which to site wind turbines, are often quick to proclaim that the principle of property rights gives them the right to have an industrial wind turbine located on their property if they so desire. Continued...

Information found on this website is the work of the source indicated or linked to. Any opinions expressed in articles or on the websites that host them are not necessarily those of Clear Skies Above Barre, Inc. or it's members.

Local Voices

Select opinion pieces published in various news outlets.

Local groups oppose ALJs' wind project decision

Are 33 very tall turbines really what's best for Town of Barre?

Conflicted Barre officials didn't follow proper procedures with turbine project

Owning land doesn't give right to negatively impact neighbors

Parent in Barre says most town officials haven't responded to her concerns about turbines

State, wind energy developer need protections for Barre with many unknowns in 'experiment'

Numerous improprieties were committed at the Barre Board Meeting of Feb. 10, 2021

Time running out for residents to share concerns about gaps in Heritage Wind application

Time running out for residents to share concerns about gaps in Heritage Wind application

Turbine issue should go to public vote in Barre

Barre Town Board should have tabled late-night meeting about wind turbine law

Rob Ortt is listening to his constituents

Barre officials should have given residents more notice of public hearing on wind ordinance

Local expert opposes and lists the many flaws of the proposed wind ordinance in letter to Town Board

To All Concerned Residents of Barre:

Proposed Barre wind turbine ordinance doesn't address health, property value concerns

State legislators, congressman urged to fight against proposed wind energy project in Barre

Barre survey shows opposition level consistent with response in Yates, Somerset to wind turbines

Barre survey, even with 35% response rate, shows resounding opposition to turbines

Response rate for Barre survey well above average

Governor can best meet energy goals with nuclear plants sited downstate

Rural New Yorkers again at the mercy of Albany bureaucrats

Barre, Apex should buy out residents who don't want turbines

Rural New York pays price as NYC benefits

Barre resident's survey seeks 100% response from community regarding wind energy project

In New York and New England, Wind Energy Projects Are "Like Siting Landfills. Nobody Wants Them."

Barre election results in November shouldn't be viewed as a community in favor of turbines

Apex grant program is diversion from an industrial-size project against rural character of community

With closed public buildings and poor internet service, Apex’s lengthy application is hard to access

Governor shouldn’t take away local control in siting large-scale renewable energy projects

Cuomo’s plan to fast-track siting energy projects takes away local control

Cuomo's energy siting plan shuts out communities

Wind Power Development in New York…..Where?

Barre officials should focus on bringing water and sewer services to town, not turbines

Rural residents need to be heard in green energy debate

Clear Skies did not sent controversial postcard in Barre

Residential/agricultural zoned districts shouldn't have industrial-size structures

Barre needs town officials who will look out for all residents

Clear Skies says it's committed to sharing information about proposed wind project in Barre

Be wary of pro-turbine pitches from leaseholders, who stand to gain financially from projects

County Legislature should take a stand on wind turbines in Barre

Barre Center: "What's Wrong" or "What's Right"

Specifics still lacking with wind turbine proposal in Barre

Barre won't get full financial benefit advertised by Heritage Wind with turbine project

Studies should include impact of turbine noise on wildlife

Barre residents shouldn't let differing opinions on issues get in the way of neighborliness

Big turbines, high lake levels concern Yates resident

Rural communities doing their share to protect environment by keeping open spaces

Yates town supervisor says NY not doing 'clean government' in promoting clean energy

Barre Town Board shouldn't have held important meeting at noon, when many residents couldn't attend

Questionable actions: Apex's use of helicopter may have scared eagles off Galloo

Loss of trees and hedgerows, and prospect of turbines, put countryside in peril locally

Turbines only offer 'crumbs' of benefits, while damaging landscape

Tour of Sheldon wind farm confirmed concerns about project in Barre

Barre should be working on revenue plan with Apex project, while experts look at other issues

Councilman says Apex should make an appropriate departure from Yates, Somerset

2 farms in Barre closing property to hunters, snowmobilers after anti-turbine push by sportsmen

Details are lacking with Apex's proposed Barre project

Communities should consider many factors with PILOT agreements for wind energy

Town supervisors in Yates, Somerset say environmental groups are not looking out for rural residents

Barre resident wants more disclosure from Apex on the company's experts

Barre should seek full taxation for turbines, not a PILOT

Hydropower is best answer for renewable energy

Wind factories threaten our health and well-being

Lease holders should consider liability if turbines cause medical problems for neighbors

Apex would not have been a good neighbor

Giant turbines will make area less attractive for residents

Large turbines will give future generations a different view of local wildlife

Barre Town Board did a ruse over several months in seeking feedback on revised wind ordinance

Bald eagle parents and juvenile spotted in Barre

Wind turbines don't look like green energy compared to environmental toll from construction

Turn it down

Somerset official says Apex specializes in misinformation

On the road to truthiness

Wind turbines threaten property values in Chautauqua County

Turbine construction and maintenance have negative impacts on environment

Leaseholders for turbines should consider impact on neighbors

Subscribe