Residents and officials in Madison County, New York, are voicing strong opposition to the proposed Hoffman Falls Wind Project, a large-scale wind farm set to be developed by Albany-based Liberty Renewables. The project, which plans to install 24 turbines reaching heights of 643 feet, is raising concerns among local communities regarding potential legal and safety implications.
The proposed wind farm aims to generate up to 100 megawatts of renewable energy, sufficient to power nearly 18,000 homes annually. Construction is expected to last between 12 and 18 months, with operations projected to commence in 2027 and continue for an estimated 25 years. Local residents fear the project will disrupt their rural way of life and pose risks to public safety.
Community Concerns Over Project Development
Local resident and member of the Fenner Residents for Rural Neighborhood Preservation, Phil Rose, expressed frustration with the tactics employed by Liberty Renewables. He claims that the company secured leases from struggling farms and residents without adequate consideration of community concerns. “This is a true betrayal of our citizens and taxpayers,” he said, highlighting the disconnect between state support for renewable energy initiatives and local residents’ rights.
The project has also caught the attention of Madison County officials. An analysis by Microwave Networks Incorporated indicated that at least four of the proposed turbines could interfere with microwave communication links essential for Madison County 911 Towers. This includes Turbine 6, located directly above a critical communication link, potentially jeopardizing emergency response capabilities during disasters.
In response to these concerns, James J. Cunningham, Chairman of the Madison County Board, emphasized the importance of public safety. He stated, “We are not willing to gamble the safety of our public and that of our first responders on just 16 meters,” referring to the proposed clearance above the microwave links.
Liberty Renewables Responds to Criticism
Liberty Renewables maintains that the project has undergone thorough community engagement since 2020 and is currently in the late stages of review by the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission. Meg Lee, the company’s Permitting Manager, asserted that the project complies with the state’s regulatory requirements and that an independent engineering review confirmed no interference with emergency communications.
Despite these assurances, local residents remain skeptical. “Hundreds of us have protested this project for three years, asking the state to tell Liberty Renewables ‘no,’” Rose added, criticizing the state’s support for the project over community concerns and zoning laws. He expressed frustration over the anticipated disruption from construction, estimating it would involve 36,000 trucks and significant alterations to local roads.
Lee countered that Liberty Renewables is committed to maintaining strong relationships with local communities and has provided regular updates to local government officials and residents. The company argues that the Hoffman Falls Wind Project is crucial for meeting New York’s energy needs while promoting job creation and economic growth through substantial local investment.
As the debate continues, Madison County residents and officials remain united in their concerns, advocating for a reconsideration of the project’s impact on their rural community and public safety. The outcome of this standoff will likely shape the future of renewable energy initiatives in the region and their relationship with local stakeholders.
