×

An air of objectivity in turbine debate

Publisher’s notebook

OBSERVER Photo Portland Town Board members, including Supervisor Dan Schrantz, center, have been courteous to both side regarding windmills.

PORTLAND — There has been an uneasy feeling in this town in recent months. A proposal for at least 10 windmills with each about 325 feet high that will generate up to 10 MW of power and stay local has placed a wedge between some neighbors.

It is apparent in the “No wind turbine” signs placed on a number of front lawns and in the discussions at the monthly Town Board meetings. There is, however, one thing that stands out: a respect for both sides of the issue.

That has not always been the case around our area. For two years, Arkwright has seen plenty of disruptions at their board meetings — from those elected and those in the audience. At times, it has become loud and obnoxious before order is called. At one time, it appeared as if there would be a physical confrontation before cooler heads prevailed.

Villenova, which is in the process of moving ahead in the approval of erecting 600-foot turbines, has seen standing-room only crowds battle it out.

Nerves in that town forced one elected official to quit his position in the summer leading to the appointment of Yvonne Park as supervisor.

Even last week there was a definite edge from the 110 in attendance during a League of Women Voters sponsored event on the proposal for offshore wind turbines in Lake Erie by Dr. Ellen Banks of the Sierra Club in the Clarion Hotel Marina & Conference Center. Those seated at tables could be heard cursing some of what was being presented — quietly it must be added, while others believed they were being muted by a policy at the presentation for written-only questions.

Once built along the hillsides in the summer of 2018, Arkwright’s dominant towers have lessened the middle ground on wind power. Sides have been taken — and there is no budging when it comes to listening or agreeing to what’s being presented by the opposition.

That is why, during the September and October monthly meetings, it has been so refreshing to see how the issue is being professionally handled in Portland. To be fair, board members may have their minds made up. Still, they are proceeding with caution and listening to each point of view from residents and company officials from EWT who are working to have the structures placed on residents’ properties within the town.

There’s no rolling of the eyes or negative feedback from the board when anyone speaks. At times, members have also allowed for conversation between audience members to allow for information and education.

Call it leadership by example — some this area can truly be proud to witness. Town Supervisor Dan Schrantz probably does not get enough credit for all the progress that is happening within his municipality because he does not boast about it. He just gets things done.

His administration has seen through the merging of the village of Brocton and the Portland court, which will now be handled in the town. Currently, it also is in the process of sharing a full-time code enforcement officer with the village. He also has been a major advocate for the north county water district, which remains a work in progress to the east.

Just as significant are members of this council, including: Jerry Boltz, Patti Farrell, Rick Manzella and Gary Miller. As with other municipal boards, since there are so many in this region, there is no question the controversial wind issue is taking a toll on all these elected individuals.

For now, a moratorium on wind development remains in effect in the town. That could be extended — or expire near the end of December. That decision also falls in the hands of the board.

Rest assured, the issue will be handled with respect.

John D’Agostino is the OBSERVER publisher. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 366-3000, ext. 401.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today