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Pogue isn’t seeking re-election as Barre town supervisor after 8 years

Photos by Tom Rivers: Sean Pogue, the Barre town supervisor, is pictured outside the Barre Town Hall. Pogue isn’t seeking another two-year term as the town supervisor.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2025 at 10:21 am

BARRE – Sean Pogue won’t be seeking another two-year term as the Barre town supervisor. Pogue has been the town’s top elected official during a time when two large-scale renewable energy projects have been approved, and the town tackled other projects.

Pogue knew going into the position it would be demanding and often controversial. Apex Clean Energy was already pursuing a project in Barre when he started in the position on Jan. 1, 2016.

Apex expects to soon start site work for the 126 megawatt project. It has been downsized from 184.8 megawatts, and from 33 to 27 turbines. Apex removed the turbines near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

“There was a lot of turmoil with the wind turbine project,” Pogue said.

Many long-time neighbors and friends were on opposite sides of the project, with some believing the project brought a large industry in rural neighborhoods, infringing on the quality of life. Others see it as a major financial windfall for the community, lowering taxes for everyone in Barre and providing a financial lifeline for some landowners.

AES also has approval for a 200 megawatt solar project that is about 80 percent in barre and 20 percent in Shelby.

Those two projects will bring hundreds of thousands each year to Barre, changing the Barre’s status from the highest town taxes in Orleans County to likely the lowest.

“The two projects will cut taxes for the community significantly,” Pogue said.

Barre Town Supervisor Sean Pogue gives the welcome message on June 30, 2018 during the town’s bicentennial celebration at the Barre Town Park. The event at the park followed a parade down Route 98.

Pogue said the Town Board and employees have pushed forward other projects as well, including new electricity and playground equipment at the Barre Town Park, LED lights for the street lights and at the town hall and town park.

The town completed Water District No. 9 and is trying to get District No. 10 done. The construction costs are up so much more that the town is seeking a bigger grant and financial assistance for the project to keep the costs affordable for residents, Pogue said.

“We wanted to finish off the water but right now it’s cost prohibitive,” Pogue said.

Pogue said the high-profile projects have been stressful, but he said his tenure was a great time to be the town supervisor, especially in 2018 when the town celebrated it’s bicentennial with a series of events. Pogue grew up his beard that year for the town’s 200th anniversary.

The Bicentennial Committee enjoyed the events so much that the group formed the Barre Betterment Committee which has organized a square dance, lighted tractor parade, trunk or treat at the town park and other celebrations for the community.

“We’re trying to get people to come out and participate,” Pogue said.

Pogue came into the position after a long career in education. He has a doctorate in educational leadership. He worked 37 years for the Rochester City School District, after three years as a high school science teacher for the Red Jacket school district.

He narrowly was re-elected in 2023, winning by 5 votes over Scott Burnside, 297 to 292.

Pogue said he may serve on the town planning or zoning board after he retires as town supervisor. He is looking forward to traveling and having more time for fishing.

“I’ve bought 20 new fishing lures I’m looking forward to trying,” he said.

The Barre Republican Committee has endorsed Steve Coville for supervisor. Coville will soon be retiring from security with the VA.

Barre town officials and community members celebrated a new playground at the town park on Route 98 on Aug. 12, 2024. Sean Pogue is at right in front with Councilman Dave Waters at left. The upgrades include six new playground pieces. The town also was able to keep three pieces of playground equipment – swings, a caterpillar climbing apparatus and a slide – and move them to the new spot in the park.

EDA approves financial incentives for Hemlock Ridge Solar

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2025 at 8:31 pm

Construction of $400 million project expected to start 2026, be complete 2027

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jack Donelan, development manager for AES Corporation, speaks to the board of the Orleans Economic Development Agency this morning. Neil Habig, director for AES Corporation, is seated next to Donelan. Board members Craig Tuohey, by EDA sign, and Jeff Martin (back to camera) listen to Donelan’s comments.

ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency today approved incentives for Hemlock Ridge Solar and the AES Corporation for its $400 million solar project covering 1,200 acres in barre and Shelby.

The Orleans EDA approved a sales tax abatement of $4,930,000 and an estimated mortgage tax abatement of $1,300,000. It also will be exempted from $63,583 in the local property tax.

Instead, the company will begin paying local governments nearly $40 million in a host community agreement over the next 30 years. The agreement starts with $900,000 the first year, which is $4,500 per megawatt in a 200 MW project. The amounts then increase 2 percent annually over 30 years.

The EDA also negotiated a host community agreement with the taxing jurisdictions with the project that is different than the usual payment in lieu of taxes plans that give companies a reduction in taxes.

Each taxing jurisdiction approved a host agreement that sets the following payments over 30 years to these taxing jurisdictions:

• The Town of Barre will receive $14,007,929 over 30 years for an annual average of $466,931, ranging from $295,200 in year 1 to $646,077 in year 30.

• The Town of Shelby will be paid $3,074,911 over 30 years for an annual average of $102,497, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.

• Orleans County will be paid $7,923,242 over 30 years for an annual average of $264,108, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.

• Albion Central School will be paid $10,407,330 over 30 years for an annual average of $346,911, ranging from $256,540 in year 1 to $455,575 in year 30.

• Oakfield-Alabama Central School will be paid $1,213,558 over 30 years for an annual average of $40,452, ranging from $29,914 in year 1 to $$53,123 in year 30.

• Medina Central School will be paid $2,363,633 over 30 years for an annual average of $78,754, ranging from $58,239 in year 1 to $103,423 in year 30.

AES also will pay $100,000 a year for 10 years to National Grid to help lower local electricity bills. That will be for $1 million total over 10 years.

The Orleans EDA also will be paid a 1.25 percent administration fee on a $400 million project or $4,519,804 with $750,000 upon execution of the project assistance agreement (within 30 days of the EDA board’s approval of the project) and then another $3,769,804 at the close of financing.

AES officials attended the meeting said they expect construction won’t start until 2026 to line up all the equipment, materials and contractors. The 200 megawatt facility is expected to operational in 2027.

AES detailed the expenses in a filing with the Orleans EDA. The total project costs are estimated at $400,150,000.

That includes building and land purchase, $150,000; site preparation, $10 million; new construction, $160 million; utilities & infrastructure, $30 million; and transportation access, $5 million.

The machinery and equipment is estimated at $190 million and includes solar modules at $98 million; solar racking/piles, $41 million; inverter, $11 million; wiring, $30 million; and HV equipment, $10 million.

Jack Donelan, development manager for AES Corporation, told the EDA board there will be a 7-foot-high agricultural style fence on the 1,200 acre perimeter. There will be a 7-foot-high chain-link fence around the electric substation, with a foot-high of barb wire.

AES estimates 264 workers will be needed for the construction. Once it’s done, 0.5 full-time-equivalent may only be needed at the site.

Donelan said AES will connect into the grid through the transmission lines that run along the southern part of Orleans County.

EDA details how nearly $40 million will be paid to taxing jurisdictions from Hemlock Ridge Solar

Photos by Tom Rivers: Patti Bushover speaks during a public hearing in the Town of Shelby on Tuesday about Hemlock Ridge Solar. Bushover lives on East Shelby Road and doesn’t want the solar panels so close to her home. Bushover said too much valuable farmland is being affected by solar projects locally. The public hearing was on the tax incentives for the project. The state has already approved the project and held its own hearing on the site plan and environmental impacts.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2025 at 1:47 pm

BARRE/SHELBY – The Orleans Economic Development Agency held public hearings in Shelby on Tuesday and Barre on Wednesday for the tax incentives being offered Hemlock Ridge Solar/AES for its $400 million solar project that would be 82 percent in Barre and 18 percent in Shelby.

The company is slated to receive $6,230,000 in tax abatements in year one. AES won’t have to pay $4,930,000 in sales tax or $1.3 million in the mortgage tax. It also will be exempted from $63,583 in the local property tax.

Instead, the company will begin paying local governments nearly $40 million in a host community agreement over the next 30 years. The agreement starts with $900,000 the first year, which is $4,500 per megawatt in a 200 MW project. The amounts then increase 2 percent annually over 30 years.

Map from AES: The 200 megawatt solar project in Barre and Shelby would be along Crane, Townline and Burns roads near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The Orleans EDA also will be paid a 1.25 percent administration fee on a $400 million project or $4,519,804 with $750,000 upon execution of the project assistance agreement (within 30 days of the EDA board’s approval of the project) and then another $3,769,804 at the close of financing.

The agreement includes the following payments over 30 years to these taxing jurisdictions:

  • The Town of Barre will receive $14,007,929 over 30 years for an annual average of $466,931, ranging from $295,200 in year 1 to $646,077 in year 30.
  • The Town of Shelby will be paid $3,074,911 over 30 years for an annual average of $102,497, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.
  • Orleans County will be paid $7,923,242 over 30 years for an annual average of $264,108, ranging from $64,800 in year 1 to $141,822 in year 30.
  • Albion Central School will be paid $10,407,330 over 30 years for an annual average of $346,911, ranging from $256,540 in year 1 to $455,575 in year 30.
  • Oakfield-Alabama Central School will be paid $1,213,558 over 30 years for an annual average of $40,452, ranging from $29,914 in year 1 to $$53,123 in year 30.
  • Medina Central School will be paid $2,363,633 over 30 years for an annual average of $78,754, ranging from $58,239 in year 1 to $103,423 in year 30.

AES also will pay $100,000 a year for 10 years to National Grid to help lower local electricity bills. That will be for $1 million total over 10 years.

As a percentage of the funds for the taxing jurisdictions, Barre will receive 35.9 percent, Shelby at 7.9 percent, Orleans County at 20.3 percent, Albion Central School at 26.7 percent, Medina Central School at 6.1 percent, and Oakfield-Alabama Central School at 3.1 percent.

The total community payments include $39,989,603 over 30 years with $38,989,603 to taxing jurisdictions and $1 million to National Grid.

The EDA board of directors is scheduled to vote at 8 a.m. on Monday on the tax incentive plan.

Kirk Mathes, a member of the Barre Town Board, speaks at Wednesday’s hearing in Barre, which was only attended by a few people. Steve Harling of the Planning Board is at left. Mathes said the Orleans Economic Development Agency should have better advertised the hearing. The EDA said the notices were on the EDA website and the agency met its legal requirements by posting in the official town newspaper, The Daily News of Batavia. The Orleans Hub and The Lake Country Pennysaver don’t meet the requirement because they aren’t printed periodicals with paid subscriptions.

Barre contracts with county for assessing services

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2025 at 8:32 am

BARRE – The Town of Barre and Orleans County have reached an agreement for Barre to pay $29,906 to the county for assessing services in 2025.

The county is creating a new full-time assessor position in the Real Property Tax Services Office in Albion.

Barre’s previous assessor left the job for a full-time position at the Oakfield-Alabama school district. For 30 years, Barry Flansburg served in the role until retiring Sept. 30, 2022.

Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said working with the county ensures Barre will have an assessor. If the person assigned to Barre is unavailable, Barre can draw on other staff at the Real Property office.

Barre is the third town to contract with the county for the service. Albion and Gaines have paid the county for the service since 2007.

No animals hurt after skid steer fire in Barre barn

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2024 at 10:39 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Firefighters respond this morning to a fire in Barre barn owned by Richard Miller at 13481 Miller Rd.

Firefighters and Miller said the fire started from a skid steer. The fire spread to some hay in the barn.

Firefighters moved the scorched hay from inside, and hosed down the skid steer.

Miller said a neighbor called him to say there was smoke coming from the barn at about 9 a.m.

Two cows were inside as well as many sheep, and they were safely moved to an outdoor pasture. Miller is retired from farming. His two granddaughters show the cows in the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

The barn didn’t appear to suffer any damage from the fire.

Firefighters from Barre, Albion and Medina responded to the scene, as well as the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

Santa, caravan of tractors celebrate in Barre parade

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2024 at 9:32 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Santa enjoyed a ride a trailer pulled by a tractor during Barre’s annual tractor parade on Saturday evening.

The parade started on East Barre Road at the Van Lieshout farm and headed north on Route 98 to the Barre Town Park.

Santa waved to the kids and adults who lined up in the freezing temperatures for the seventh annual parade.

More than a dozen tractors were joined by tractor trailer and other farm equipment.

The parade is organized by the Barre Betterment Committee.

Here are some more photos of the procession of tractors and farm equipment, with some shown passing in front of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church.

Heritage Wind expects to start clearing land in February for $370 million project in Barre

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2024 at 12:17 pm

Apex will pay $1.1 million annually to Barre, Albion Central School, Orleans County; EDA to be paid $4.5 million in 3 payments

BARRE – Heritage Wind expects to start site work in February, clearing trees as part of a large-scale wind energy project that has been in development for about a decade.

Apex Clean Energy, owner of Heritage Wind, will start the tree clearing in February and then have full civil mobilization of its construction crew in July 2025, said Carmen O’Keefe, director of development for Apex.

The project is scheduled to be operational the end of 2026, with a capacity of 126 megawatts. Apex has scaled back the project from an initial plan of 33 turbines generating 184.8 megawatts. The project will now be 27 turbines at 126 megawatts. Apex removed some of the turbines that were planned to be near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The construction costs have escalated in recent years, pushing the total cost from $304 million to $373 million.

“It costs more though there are fewer turbines because the cost of materials, turbines and labor has increased fairly significantly since the original resolution was passed in 2021,” O’Keefe said.

Heritage Wind has been permitted to construct Vestas V150 4.5 MW (640 foot high) and Vestas V162 6.0 MW (656 foot high) turbines. O’Keefe said Apex will likely use the 640-foot-high turbines in Barre.

The company will pay $9,000 per megawatt to local municipalities or $1,134,000 in the first year, with a 2 percent increase after that over 25 years.

Barre gets 75 percent of the money as part of a Host Community Agreement. The $6,750 per megawatt totals $850,000.

The remaining 25 percent or $2,250 per megawatt is evenly split by the school district and county. That is $140,175 each.

In addition, Heritage Wind will be paying an administrative fee to the Orleans Economic Development Agency for administering the PILOT with the school district and county.

The EDA will receive $775,000 this month, and then will receive two $1.8 million payments – one by Dec. 1, 2025 or the date of the closing of the PILOT/lease-leaseback transaction and then another $1.8 million a year after the closing.

The combined $4.575 million will be a big boost to the EDA and its economic development efforts, said EDA executive director Michael Dobell. He expects some of the funds will be used to advance development of the Medina Business Park.

Barre firefighters, Santa deliver presents to 160 kids

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2024 at 9:44 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped at a home on Oak Orchard Road this afternoon and delivered presents to children. Barre firefighter James Neal is in back.

The Barre Volunteer Fire Company escorted Santa around town today for the 11th annual Santa Express. They made 35 stops, delivering presents to 160 kids and allowing them to spend time with Santa.

The fire company sends out a letter in November, welcoming people to drop off gift-wrapped presents at the firehall and those gifts are then delivered by firefighters and Santa. People are encouraged to make a donation to the fire company if they get a visit from Santa and the firefighters.

Santa and Mrs. Claus pose with Layla Kania, twin brothers Wyatt and Elisa Webb, and Hudson Deuil.

Hudson Deuil was a little shy meeting Santa but gave him a hug before he boarded the fire truck to visit the next group of kids on the Santa Express.

Santa makes a delivery to Cara Dix of Lyndonville, who met Santa at her aunt’s house on Route 98. Her older siblings have been meeting Santa in Barre for about nine years.

“I love this tradition,” said their mother, Krystle Dix. “The kids love seeing Santa. They get one-on-one time with him without being in a big line.”

Barre firefighters split into two different groups in transporting Santa and Mrs. Claus around town. They made their deliveries from 9:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m. They were done in time to see the Bills game start at 4:25 p.m.

The Barre Volunteer Fire Company and Santa schedule the Santa Express in Barre on a Sunday when the Buffalo Bills have an away game and the game time is preferable after 1 p.m. Santa said he is rooting for the Bills in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.

Governor announces state contract for power from Heritage Wind

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 December 2024 at 9:01 pm

Barre project among 23 large-scale renewable energy projects to get state contracts

Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced the state has approved contracts for 23 large-scale land-based renewable energy projects, including the Heritage Wind project in Barre.

That project has been down-sized from its initial plan for 33 turbines generating 184.8 megawatts. Heritage Wind now plans 27 turbines with a capacity for 126 megawatts.

Hochul said the 23 renewable energy projects will provide more than 2.3 gigawatts of clean energy, which is enough to power more than 700,000 homes throughout New York State. The projects represent $4.7 billion in private investment while reinforcing the state’s commitment to the development of clean energy, grid resiliency and economic development, Hochul said.

“New York continues to foster competitive opportunities for the clean energy industry to thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “We are delivering on our commitment to make New York more prosperous by harnessing the benefits of a growing clean energy economy, increasing family sustaining jobs and spurring private investment within communities across the State while remaining focused on keeping energy affordable for all New Yorkers.”

The contracted awards are the result of the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority’s 2023 Tier 1 Renewable Energy Standard solicitation. The projects are expected to reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 2.3 million metric tons annually, the equivalent of removing nearly 350,000 cars from the road; provide public health benefits resulting from reduced exposure to harmful pollutants; and provide more than $249 million in commitments to disadvantaged communities from community benefit funds.

 The projects include:

Finger Lakes

  • Trelina Solar Energy Center, NextEra Energy Resources, Seneca County
  • Cider Solar Farm, Hecate Energy and Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, Genesee County
  • Highview Solar, Cordelio Power, Wyoming County
  • Heritage Wind, Apex Clean Energy, Orleans County
  • Excelsior Energy Center, NextEra Energy Resources, Genesee County

Central New York

  • Dog Corners, Cordelio Power, Cayuga County
  • Scipio Solar, Cordelio Power, Cayuga County
  • ELP Granby Solar II, VC Renewables, Oswego County
  • Garnet Energy Center, NextEra Energy Resources, Cayuga County

Mid-Hudson

  • Little Pond Solar, Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, Orange County

Mohawk Valley

  • Tayandenega Solar, Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, Montgomery County
  • Rock District Solar, Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, Schoharie County
  • Grassy Knoll Solar, Cordelio Power, Herkimer County
  • Flat Hill Solar, Cordelio Power, Herkimer County
  • Watkins Road Solar, Cordelio Power, Herkimer County
  • Hills Solar, Cordelio Power, Herkimer County
  • Flat Stone Solar, Cordelio Power, Oneida County

North Country

  • Brookside Solar, AES, Franklin County

Southern Tier

  • Baron Winds II, RWE, Steuben County
  • Canisteo Wind Energy Center, Invenergy, Steuben County
  • Valley Solar, Cordelio Power, Tioga County

Western New York

  • Alle-Catt Wind, Invenergy, Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties, Wyoming County (Finger Lakes region)
  • Bear Ridge Solar, Cypress Creek Renewables, Niagara County

Several projects have already commenced construction activities, and all projects are expected to be operational by 2028, Hochul said in a news release.

Barre and Clarendon hosting lighted parades

Photo by Tom Rivers: Painted Sky Ranch brought about a dozen horses for Clarendon’s parade on Dec. 8, 2023. Here they are headed down Church Street.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 December 2024 at 2:13 pm

Clarendon and Barre are getting ready to host lighted parades.

Clarendon’s parade will be this Friday starting at 7 at the fire hall on Route 31A. The route then goes through the town’s main intersection, takes a right turn onto Route 237, and then a left on Church Street to the Historical Society.

Santa will then greet people at the museum.

Barre also will be hosting its seventh annual lighted tractor at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. The parade starts on Route 98 at East Barre Road and goes north on 98 to the Barre Town Park.

Albion also is hosting a parade at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14.

Barre approves 3-year ambulance contract with Mercy Flight

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 November 2024 at 9:05 pm

Agreement includes 2 BLS ambulances, 1 ALS flycar for 24-7 in seven Orleans towns

Photo by Tom Rivers: A Mercy Flight EMS ambulance and crew was in service on Sept. 20 at an Albion varsity football game.

BARRE – The Barre Town Board this evening unanimously approved a three-year contract with Mercy Flight EMS to provide ambulance services in a seven-town block in Orleans County.

Mercy Flight submitted the lowest bid for the service at $250,000 in 2025, compared to $570,000 from Monroe Ambulance. The two entities offered similar services in the bid.

The contract calls for Mercy Flight to stage two basic life support ambulance, and one advanced life support fly car in the seven towns for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The fly car doesn’t transport patients, but would have personnel that can provide higher levels of care than the BLS ambulances.

The seven towns are divvying up the costs based on a percentage of current call volume. Barre pays the least of the seven towns at $11,000 in 2025, compared to $13,740 in 2024.

Here is the financial breakdown for the seven towns in the contract:

  • Albion, $93,000 ($155,820 in 2024)
  • Barre, $11,000 ($13,740 in 2024)
  • Carlton, $18,500 ($22,350 in 2024)
  • Clarendon, $28,000 ($25,350 in 2024)
  • Gaines, $38,500 ($12,030 in 2024)
  • Kendall, $12,750 ($17,850 in 2024)
  • Murray, $48,250 ($52,860 in 2024)

All seven towns need to approve the contract for it to take effect. The agreement starts Jan. 1. Mercy Flight plans to stage ambulances and the fly car at the former COVA base on South Main Street in Albion and the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray fire hall on Hulberton Road in Murray.

Monroe Ambulance has had the contract, done annually in 2023 and 2024. Monroe was paid $300,000 by the seven towns this year. In the first year of the contract in 2023 with Monroe, the towns paid $181,200. But that was from six towns. Kendall didn’t contribute the first year when Monroe was seeking $200,000 from the seven towns.

The three-year contract calls for Mercy Flight to be paid $275,000 in 2026 and $300,000 in 2027.

Heritage Wind offering grants for community initiatives

Posted 12 November 2024 at 2:55 pm

Press Release, Heritage Wind

BARRE – The Heritage Wind Community Grant Program is now accepting applications for its Fall 2024 grant cycle.

Counting the last grant cycle’s recipients, the grant program has awarded nearly $160,000 to community causes and non-profit organizations working to build healthy communities, increase environmental sustainability, foster economic development, and promote education, since its inception in 2020.

The previous Spring Grant Cycle included the following community organizations: Medina Railroad Museum, Town of Barre, Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

Local organizations working in the Town of Barre, and the broader Orleans County community are encouraged to apply. Grants are typically awarded in $250 to $4,000 increments, with priority given to proposals that demonstrate meaningful impacts to the greatest number of area residents.

We will be accepting applications until Dec. 13. Please apply at www.heritagewindpower.com/grant.

The four focus areas for the community grant program are:

  • Building Healthy Communities – Programs that support public health or enhance the quality of life in the community.
  • Economic Development – Programs that support the economic well-being of the community.
  • Environmental Sustainability – Programs that support environmental revitalization, sustainability, or empower residents to be stewards of the environment.
  • Promoting Education – Programs that support educational institutions, especially the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This may include curriculum development, vocational training, or literacy support.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Anna Mathes at anna.mathes@apexcleanenergy.com or (585) 563-5137.

Barre sets Nov. 18 for hearing on updated comprehensive plan

Posted 8 November 2024 at 9:15 am

Press Release, Town of Barre

BARRE – The Comprehensive Plan Committee appointed by the Barre Town Board welcomes your input on the draft Town of Barre Comprehensive Plan Update.

The Comprehensive Plan Committee will hold a public hearing and public informational meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, from 4  to 7 p.m. at the Barre Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.

Residents, landowners, and others interested in the future of the Town of Barre are invited to drop in any time between 4 and 7:30 pm. The formal public hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. The town’s planning consultant will give a brief presentation on the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Survey at 4:30, 6 and 7 p.m.

The Comprehensive Plan will set goals and recommend actions to guide Town decisions regarding:

  • Land use and zoning
  • Neighborhood Preservation and Housing
  • Business and Economic Development
  • Housing and Residential Quality of Life
  • Agriculture & Farmland
  • Natural Resources & Environmental Protection
  • Utilities
  • Transportation
  • Government and Community Services

View the draft Comprehensive Plan Update at the Town’s website: www.townofbarreny.com or at the Town Hall.

For more information, please contact Comprehensive Plan Committee chair George McKenna at (585) 738-4875 or planning consultant Barbara Johnston at (585) 295-6636.

Written comments will be accepted through Dec. 16. Please send them to the Town Clerk via e-mail at clerk@townofbarreny.com or by mail to:

Town Clerk, Town of Barre

14317 West Barre Road

Albion, NY 14411

Turkey dinners from West Barre church are proven election day winner

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2024 at 8:20 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – It’s an election day winner, every year for at least a half century: a turkey dinner with an assortment of pie served by the West Barre United Methodist Church.

The top photo shows church volunteers getting takeout containers full of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, squash and cranberry sauce.

From left include Lanor Markle, Dan Shuler and Randy Huffman with Alice Mathes on the opposite side of the table.

The church served 482 dinners that were available by presale. The meals have been take-out only since the Covid pandemic in 2020.

“We do it on election day to encourage people to vote and then eat, or to eat and then vote,” said Ruth Miller, a longtime church volunteer.

She can recall the church serving the Thanksgiving-style dinners for at least 50 years.

Church volunteers worked on the dinner the past four days. They cooked 28 turkeys.

These strawberry pies were among 14 different types of pie for people to choose from for the dinner.

Lee Preston gets the tickets from Nancy Muoio and two of her friends.

“It’s a home-cooked meal that I don’t have to cook,” said Barb Titus-Canham, who was in the vehicle with Muoio. The group was going back to Titus-Canham’s home to enjoy the meal together.

Muoio said she has been looking forward to the meal. The big draw: “The pies,” she said.

Barre farmhouse badly damaged by fire on Culver Road

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 October 2024 at 9:09 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – A farmhouse at 5054 Culver Rd. was badly damaged by a fire that broke out around 3 a.m. today.

Doug Stephens has owned the house for 21 years. He had an electric heater on last night to help take the chill off. Fire investigators told him that the fire appears to have been caused by an electric heater plugged into an outlet.

Stephens lives at the home with two other people. They weren’t injured from the fire.

The main part of the house has been destroyed, but Stephens said firefighters were able to save about half of the structure. He appreciated the big response from firefighters during the middle of the night.

“They did a great job with what they had to deal with,” Stephens said. “They did a hell of a job. I want to thank them all.”