Biomass Developers Withdraw Permit Application

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
05:01PM / Thursday, April 21, 2011Print Story | Email Story

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Developers of the proposed biomass plant over the border in Pownal, Vt. have withdrawn all permit applications.

Beaver Wood Energy withdrew its petitions for the 29.5-megawatt biomass plant Wednesday after the Vermont Public Service Board ruled that the company must seek permits through both Act 250 and 248. The company was hoping to bundle the permits together.

"The project is not going to continue at this time," Thomas Emero, a partner with Beaver Wood, said on Thursday. "There was no sense of having an open file."

Withdrawing the permits does not mean that the company will never proceed with the development, Emero said. Since the petition to seek the duel permits was resolved at the beginning of the month, the company felt there was no need keep the application open while the project is delayed.

Beaver Wood Energy had previously said it would delay seeking further permitting. The company is focusing on a similar project in Fair Haven, Vt.

The plant at the former Green Mountain Race Track site had faced opposition in Vermont and its southern neighbors. The company was dealt its first blow in December when the Public Service Board denied its permit to begin construction by the end of the year which would have put it in line to receive $50 million in federal stimulus money.
Beaver Wood Energy Permit Withdrawal

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Sure VT keep digging in your heals and stop anything from ever happening with that property. Let it rot and be wasted space! Oh wait you already have! Just like MA and the Greylock Glen! 30 years later and now the State owns it and it will never become anything to boost the economy! Seriouly why is it always such an issue! Pownal could use something in their town to support them!
from: Seen it before	on: 04-21-2011 05:57PM I Agree (19) - I Disagree (52)

Just because a hand full of people complained there will never be any development around this area. Ridiculous, thats why all the companies are growing in the Albany area because they encourage business.
from: crazy	on: 04-21-2011 08:51PM I Agree (13) - I Disagree (47)

I'm not against anything in Pownal, I just want clean air. Thank you for not doing this particular project. Too many of us would have been adversely affected.
from: sparrow	on: 04-21-2011 09:28PM I Agree (53) - I Disagree (12)

That's why they are moving to Albany? How about overseas! Between unions, politics, regulations, and public opinion why would anyone want to set up in the US. Overseas is easier, cheaper, and faster and less headaches. That brings problems like world pollution and labor issues. If we don't compomise here keeping some control we lose everything to there and have no control. We will have all the green space we need with the majority of the public not being able to afford to walk on it unless there are jobs.
from: HVD55	on: 04-22-2011 08:30AM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (29)

So glad this, and let's be honest, disgusting pollution causing mess has 'left the building'. For those that are not aware, the owners of the company have had multiple violations and fines mainly because, but not limited to, pollution control. They also wanted to badger their way in to steal millions of tax dollars from the people without doing any air quality / well testing. They wanted to collect these dollars by putting in a driveway which would qualify as breaking ground. A driveway? Locals came together and spoke loud and clear. Old and new. The even voted out a long standing board member for the likes of another that was not in favor of the way BW was acting. 75% landslide win. Great Job.
from: Love it	on: 04-22-2011 09:49AM I Agree (41) - I Disagree (5)

AKAIK you've got the aesnwr in one!
from: Regina	on: 04-27-2011 09:57PM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
12:50PM / Sunday, December 21, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.

"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."

Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.

"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."

Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.

"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."

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