STEUBEN COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Prattsburgh town board has ruled in favor of eminent domain. The decision means First Wind, the company that wants to build a 36 turbine wind farm in Prattsburgh can now take portions of land from property owners who oppose the project.
Eminent domain was proposed after seven property owners said they would not sell their land to the company. First Wind wants the property along the town highways to lay underground cables.
The board voted three to two Tuesday in a decision which allows the wind project to move forward.
The Prattsburgh town board has ruled in favor of eminent domain. The decision means First Wind, the company that wants to build a 36 turbine wind farm in Prattsburgh can now take portions of land from property owners who oppose the project.
"It's been under debate for a long time. It's considered the opinion of the board, it's to the town's advantage to proceed with action. It wasn't decided spontaneously. It did take a lot of consideration," said Prattsburgh Town Supervisor Harold McConnell.
"It's frustration at feeling more people don't understand the real issues. It's sadness because it's important to have renewable energy and it's not being done right," said Prattsburgh resident Ruth Matilsky.
First Wind will be allowed to build the underground cables strictly on the right of way of town highways.