Group seeking freeze on wind

HAMMOND — A group of concerned citizens has banded together in Hammond to try to get a moratorium on wind development, even though the town has passed an amendment to its zoning law that controls wind farms.

"At this point we're just talking to citizens who've been to board meetings," said William A. Rogers, spokesman for the Concerned Citizens of Hammond. "We just want openness from the town and citizens' input."

So far the meetings have been to answer questions and gather information about the turbines, Mr. Rogers said. The group has met twice, and although there is no official roster of members, about 45 people attended the last meeting.

The formation of the group comes on the heels of the town board passing a wind energy law, which deals with the creation of wind farms. The law — which includes guidelines for setbacks, noise levels and taxation, among other things — was passed at the Oct. 27 town board meeting by a unanimous vote. That action came five days after the board presented it to the public.

"Citizens were shocked how quickly the law went through," Mr. Rogers said. "There wasn't a lot of back and forth."

The group is pushing for a moratorium because it will give members a chance to research the various issues surrounding the turbines, including the effects on health and property values, said Allan P. Newell, a member of the Concerned Citizens of Hammond.

"I think it's the responsible thing to do," Mr. Newell said. "The wind isn't going anywhere."

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 Route 6. A moratorium on further development went in effect from February until the law was passed Oct. 27.

Members of the town board, however, said they feel the public's concerns were adequately addressed over the six-month period it took to draft the law.

"I thought we did a decent job," Councilman Ronald E. Tulley II said.

Mr. Tulley said he felt the group may have its own political agenda to stop development of any kind.

"They will pressure the board into creating a moratorium to push their agenda," Mr. Tulley said. "I want them to get the proper information. I don't want them spreading misinformation or fear among the residents."

Mr. Tulley said he has not attended any of the meetings, but he plans to.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Community Center. Mr. Rogers said there will be a presentation from a lawyer at the meeting.

"We're just looking into our options," he said.