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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.”

The Barre Betterment Committee presented Heritage House awards to two homeowners.

BARRE – The Barre Betterment Committee has presented two “Heritage House” awards to the owners of well-kept houses that have endured for about two centuries.

Betsy Miller, president of the BBC, presented Heritage House plaques to Willy and Joan Wraight, posthumously,  and to William and Sue Bias.

The Wraight house was built in Barre Center in the early 1800s by the same gentleman who also built the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, Miller said.

The Bias house was built in 1841 by William Puzey out of fieldstone cobble.

The Barre Betterment Committee’s mission is to promote, unite, improve and enhance the quality of life for the common good and general welfare of the people of the Town of Barre. All Barre residents are welcome to join the BBC in this mission. For more information, send a message through Facebook to the Barre Betterment Committee or call (585) 590-7503.

The BBC will next be hosting a Trunk or Treat event at the Barre Town Park from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26. People are welcome to bring children dressed in costumes to receive candy and treats.

Proceeds come from ‘Tabletop Sales’

Provided photos: (Left) Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, accepts a check from Sharon Miller on behalf of West Barre Church. (Right) The community donates all kind of goods to the West Barre Church, who then store it in a building across the road, where people can come and shop every Friday and Saturday from May to September and leave a donation.

WEST BARRE – For a little church located on a country road, the West Barre Church has proven itself to be a pillar in the community.

Under the leadership of the Worship Committee, the congregation plans fundraisers, serves meals to the public and runs other fundraising events, which allow them to support worthy causes in the community.

One of those causes is Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, and recently, church member Sharon Miller presented a check for $931 to CAOG’s director Renee Hungerford.

A fundraiser called Tabletop Sales grew out of an abundance of donations of all kinds of merchandise, which the public continues to give to the church. The members sort and arrange goods in a large room set aside as a shopping center, where the public can come in shop to their hearts content.

There is merchandise of all kinds, including pictures, kitchen wares, baby items, holiday decorations, toys and gifts, and more. There are no prices on any merchandise. Shoppers simply leave a donation of what they think their items are worth or what they can afford. No one is refused anything because they can’t pay for it.

Members of the community and friends of West Barre Church relax and listen to a band in Mull-Barre Park. When land across the road from West Barre Church was donated by the late Wilbur Mull, the church developed Mull-Barre Park, where they hold concerts all summer.

Money earned is donated to a different cause in the community each month. Previous donations have gone to Hands for Hope, the Cobblestone Museum, Albion’s food kitchen, Ministry of Concern, MAAC and community members.

Miler explained another fundraiser is summer concerts in the park, possible because of Mull-Barre Park.

Since 1993, when a local farmer Wilbur Mull donated land across the street to the church, they have used it for community entertainment and a playground for youth. For the last five years they had a concert in the park on Sunday afternoons. Members of the community bring their lawn chairs and sit under the trees to enjoy the music, which differs every week, from rock and roll and blues to country. An added feature is Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza which sets up a portable wood-fired oven at the edge of the park.

The church is planning a craft show on Oct. 19, chaired by Jann Davis. It will include a basket raffle from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A big part of their ministry is community dinners. They are known for their Election Day turkey dinner, which since Covid, has been drive-thru only. This year’s will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, featuring turkey and all the trimmings.

“We are a church with community in our hearts,” Miller said.

Anyone is welcome to attend worship at 9:30 on Sunday mornings.

Photo courtesy of Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

BARRE – A tractor trailer tipped over on Route 98 this evening, crashing into a guard rail near the Genesee County line.

The driver was taken by ambulance to be treated for a head injury at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

A section of Route 98 continues to be closed to traffic due to the accident, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said.

The truck was loaded with cabbage and the weight shifted, causing the trailer to sway off the roadway and strike a guard rail near the county line, he said.

“The impact made the trailer axel become detached from the trailer,” Bourke said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Barre town officials and community members this evening celebrated a new playground at the town park on Route 98.

Willow Duell in red and Liberty Klein in yellow cut the ribbon during the celebration. At left is Barre Town Councilman Dave Waters with Town Supervisor Sean Pogue, second from right. Dale Brooks, the town highway superintendent, is in back at right.

Pogue said many in the town contributed to the effort that has been years in the making.

He thanked the Barre Betterment Committee for raising money for the project, including securing a $35,000 grant from the AES Corporation, which is developing a 200-megawatt solar facility in Barre and Shelby. AES is also doing a smaller solar project and is nearly done with construction on Route 98, not far from the town park.

Pogue said the Betterment Committee has been “the driving force” behind the project. The Betterment Committee purchased six new playground pieces at a deep discount for $31,500. That came from the AES money, with the remaining $3,500 to go towards topsoil and seeding near the playground.

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.

Town Supervisor Sean Pogue, center in back, thanks many contributors who have helped make the new playground a reality.

Pogue also commended AES for its contribution, and Barre Stone Products and Keeler Construction for supplying some materials and also donating towards new electric at the park.

Jason Foote, the town park director, also secured grants from Apex Clean Energy to move the project along and buy some of the materials.

Titan Development in Gasport assembled and installed the new playground and three older units, as well as providing expertise in the layout.

Dale Brooks, the highway superintendent, and the other highway workers did the site work, collaborated with Titan Development, and are putting the finishing touches on the site, Pogue said.

The town supervisor also commended RTO/Ambient for providing free WiFi at the park. Look for Barre Park and “guest” on the WiFi signal.

Pogue said the Town Board wants to do more at the site in the future, with a goal for restrooms.

The project thus far has cost in the $60,000 to $70,000 range with grants and donations covering most of the expense. The town spent $16,000 from its budget to hire Titan and that came from the federal ARPA funds, Pogue said.

Press Release, Heritage Wind

BARRE – Heritage Wind  is excited to announce four local organizations as awardees from the project’s community grant program. Launched in 2020, this program supports local community organizations throughout the Town of Barre and Orleans County working to build healthy communities, support economic development, foster environmental sustainability, and promote education.

“Heritage Wind is grateful to be able to continuously back local organizations that support Orleans County through our Community Grant Program,” said Carmen O’Keefe, Director of Development with Apex Clean Energy.

This round of grants were awarded to:

• Medina Railroad Museum
• The Town of Barre
• Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association
• Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

The Medina Railroad Museum has been awarded $4,000 to develop an interactive display allowing children to use virtual reality to simulate the operation of the railroad in several key positions, such as engineer, conductor, and railroad fireman.

The Town of Barre has received $4,000 for the continuous effort to upgrade the town park and the installation of new playground equipment.

“The Town of Barre is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $4,000 grant from Apex Clean Energy and Heritage Wind’s Community Grant Program,” said Parks Department Director Jason Foote. “This funding will enhance public health through the renovation of the Town Park playground, supporting future expansion plans to create a vibrant and inclusive recreational space for all residents.”

The Orleans County Deputy Sheriff Association was awarded $4,000 for a new program benefitting their local deputies. Torry Tooley, President of the Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association, was thankful for the grant.

“The men and women of the Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association would like to thank Apex Clean Energy and Heritage Wind for awarding the association funds to further our effort to be ‘Fit for You,’” Tooley said. “This funding allows us to invest in the physical and mental well-being of our deputies. Your commitment to strengthening communities truly resonates with our mission to serve our citizens with the best possible care. This grant will be another step forward in this mission.”

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee was awarded $450 for the purchase of supplies to help the Credit Recovery Program. This program helps support local high school students working to obtain the necessary credits  to complete high school.

Counting this year’s recipients, Heritage Wind has awarded over $120,000 to community causes and non-profit organizations. These grants are part of a larger community grant program by Apex Clean Energy that has awarded over $5 million in funds to local communities nationwide since 2020.

In addition to awarding grants to local community organization, Heritage Wind was a proud sponsor of the Barre Cubs little league team, who was able to clinch the midget league title this season.

Heritage Wind continues to strive to be a strong community partner to local governments, area businesses, and non-profits working to improve people’s lives across the region. The community grant program will open an additional round of grant funding this Fall to be awarded before the end of the year. To learn more or apply for a future grant, visit www.heritagewindpower.com/grant.

Press Release, Heritage Wind

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

Counting the last grant cycle’s recipients, the grant program has awarded nearly $120,000 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 Fall Grant Cycle included the following community organizations: Orleans County Joint Veterans Council, Medina Fire Department, GLOW ARC and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association.

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 May 15. 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 wellbeing 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.

Public meeting set for April 29 at Town Hall

Press Release, Town of Barre

BARRE – The Town of Barre is updating its Comprehensive Plan and wants to hear from residents. The Town’s appointed Comprehensive Plan Committee will hold a public open house on Monday, April 29, 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 p.m. The Town’s planning consultant will give a brief presentation on the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Survey at 4:15, 5:15 and 6:15 p.m.

The Town of Barre launched a Community Survey to help the Comprehensive Plan Committee better understand residents’ issues and priorities. The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BarreCommunitySurvey.

Residents may also call the Town Clerk at (585) 589-5100 to request a paper copy of the survey. Barre residents who complete the survey by April 15 will be eligible for a drawing to win $100.

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

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