Grafton sets wind project info meeting dates

©2016 Telegraph Publishing LLC

The Grafton Select Board on Monday has set dates for meetings and workshops to disseminate information on the effects of a proposed industrial wind project on taxpayers, homeowners and residents when it comes to economics, health and the environment.

With only 20 days before the Nov. 8 election, which will include a question on approving the Iberdrola industrial wind project, the Select Board has been pushing to not only gather information but to get it out to residents as soon as possible.

From 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, the Economics Committee will help interested property owners figure out how the project could affect their taxes using an online model from the state.  The event will be held at the Grafton Elementary School, 58 School St. Attendees are asked to bring their property tax bill, your income level and the value of your home.

Then at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2, a pre-Town Meeting general information session will be held at the school to address the issues researched by the Environmental and Health committees, among other Election Day items.  Although Select Board chair Ron Pilette, who also oversees the Health Committee, said that although his panel “doesn’t have a cohesive report,” it will present findings that it has gathered.

A second property tax workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, also at the school.

In other news, 330 survey forms have been mailed to 2nd homeowners. And discussions continue on whether to hire an attorney for the non-negotiating segments of the wind project and what process will be used to vet one if the board does.

— By Cynthia Prairie