Tilting Windmills: Getting to "Win-Win" in Hammond

Recently I had the opportunity to facilitate, not one, but two lengthy, sometimes heated discussions about the wind law in Hammond. An outside company has come to town wanting to build an industrial scale wind facility, and the community has become divided in a variety of ways: a sizeable number of people are unhappy with the town government, newcomer and old timer, summer folks and year round residents. At the end of one of the meetings I stepped outside my prescribed role, and spoke about the need for Hammond residents on both sides of the issue to figure out their bottom line and then look for a “win-win” solution.

So how might Hammond or Cape Vincent, or Clayton, for that matter, get to “win-win” on the wind power issue in their towns? Someone in Hammond, anyway, commented that the wind issue is the only thing that divides town residents. If that is the case, then I find that encouraging. It would mean that there is a reservoir of good will and common ground to reach a broad agreement that would truly move the community forward.

What might that process look like?
• Stop the personal attacks
• Stick to the issues.
• Each side needs to figure out their “bottom line” on what they can live with.
• Bring in a mediator.
• Both sides need to realize that if the town is not united in their approach, only the company will benefit.
• Consider a moratorium of specific time duration to buy time to deal effectively with the outside company.
• Hire a consultant to assist in dealing with the wind companies.
• Put out a Request For Proposals that would make wind companies compete to offer the community the best deal.
• Work for concessions of electric power and economic development funding from the successful developer to benefit the whole community.
• Explore other green energy options such a solar facilities or grass pelleting.

Based on what I heard, I am not sure that folks in Hammond realize they are in the driver’s seat on this issue. Their wind is a desirable resource, and they need to hold out for a good deal. North Country communities have struggled so long that they are often too quick to please anyone who holds out the promise of money, jobs, or a different future. If the folks in Hammond go for “win-win” in the community, it would be an excellent warm up for going for “win-win” with a wind company.