FLX Against Azalea Wind is calling for closer scrutiny of a proposed wind development in Hector and Catharine, citing concerns about property rights, public health, the environment and local decision-making.
The organization, a project of the Hector Good Neighbor Group, says its objections center on the scale and location of the Azalea Wind proposal rather than renewable energy itself.
In its announcement, the group describes Azalea Wind LLC as associated with Bedrock Renewables and Greenvolt Power. Citing preliminary plans, it describes a 100-megawatt facility with 12 to 25 turbines reaching 650 feet tall across a project area of about 8,000 acres in the two Schuyler County towns.
Landowner rights and five priorities
The group identified community awareness, appropriate scale and siting, financial security, environmental protection, and human health and safety as its five priorities.
It is urging residents approached about leases or other agreements to seek legal advice so they understand the long-term implications for their property before signing.
The organization argues that a development of the proposed scale near homes would be inappropriate for Hector's rural, agricultural and residential landscape. It also cites concerns about effects on property values, mortgage financing, insurance rates, property taxes and tourism revenue.
On environmental issues, the group is seeking thorough, independent and transparent evaluation of potential effects on wildlife, forests, farmland, soil and groundwater, including the Taughannock Creek and Chesapeake Bay watersheds.
It also wants careful review of turbine setbacks, noise, shadow flicker, lighting, ice throw and emergency access, along with enforceable protections for residents.
State siting authority and local participation
FLX Against Azalea Wind says the authority of the state's Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission, or ORES, creates tension with local control. The group supports working with the Hector Town Board as it develops a local wind law within the state permitting framework.
ORES explains that renewable energy projects must be designed to follow local laws whenever possible. Developers can seek relief from particular provisions, but must provide evidence that those requirements are unreasonably burdensome. The agency says waivers are often partial.
The state process also requires developers to consult with local officials before applying and hold at least one public workshop or meeting. Municipalities and qualified community groups can seek developer-funded assistance to hire experts to help review applications, according to ORES.
Developer describes benefits and review
Bedrock Renewables says its Azalea Wind plans involve working with willing landowners, locating near existing electricity infrastructure and studying environmental and social effects through local, state and federal review.
The company says the project would provide lease payments, tax revenue, community payments, local spending and jobs. Its project website describes efforts to limit effects on land, wildlife and natural resources, along with community meetings and opportunities for feedback.
Bedrock also says a decommissioning plan would provide for restoring the site after operation, with funds posted before construction to cover eventual removal costs.
Residents seeking information about the opposition group's concerns or involvement can contact Hector Good Neighbor Group at hectorgoodneighbor@gmail.com or visit FLX Against Azalea Wind.
File photo of wind turbines.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
