Italy seeks to extend ban on wind farms in town

The town zoning commission plans to ask for a four-month extension on a moratorium regarding construction of wind turbine towers, relay stations and other support facilities. A public hearing on the extension will be at 7 p.m. May 10 at the Italy town hall. The town board is expected to vote on the proposal following the hearing. If approved, this would be the second extension of the original six-month moratorium. The first six-month extension expires next month. “We’ve got a work in progress,” said Tom Tyo, chairman of the Zoning Commission. “These things take time.”

Ecogen LLC has proposed constructing roughly 53 wind turbines in Italy and the neighboring town of Prattsburgh in Steuben County. Global Winds Harvest is proposing a similar project in both municipalities. Italy instituted its moratorium in June 2004, pending completion of a plan to control such construction, since the town has no zoning regulations in place. The Zoning Commission has already completed a comprehensive master plan and is developing drafts of two potential local laws, including one that would protect Italy’s scenic resources in roughly a dozen areas already designated as scenic overlay districts or viewsheds. The “Wind Turbine/Community Tower” laws would call for the establishment of strict guidelines, including the need for special use permits, specific height restrictions and set-backs from property lines.

Some residents have voiced disapproval over the idea of wind turbines in town, citing concerns about the coveted scenic views as well as the potential for lowered property values, increased noise and other issues. Tyo declined to comment or discuss the potential laws in detail because they are still works in progress. However, he said the commission hopes to have them completed and proposed to the board within two to three months. In the meantime, Italy town attorney Ed Brockman — along with a state attorney — will be reviewing the drafts to determine the legality of both measures, said Supervisor Margaret Dunn. Then, it would be up to the town board to decide whether or not to approve them. The drafts are already drawing a response from some officials, though. “They’re paying so much attention to the [potential] local laws, I’m afraid its distracting them from [getting comprehensive] zoning in place,” said Dunn. Tyo said while Dunn is entitled to her opinion — which he said he values — they need to look at what is the most immediate concern of the town.