Ski area's turbine would help support history, education

[ Originally published on: Tuesday, October 06, 2009 ]

CHARLEMONT -- If town officials approve a special permit for Berkshire East Ski Resort's proposed wind turbine, the ski resort and zip-line recreation center is prepared to offer four incentives to benefit the town.

At the Planning Board's most recent hearing, John Schaefer said the resort would offer the following ''as part of a long-term partnership that mutually benefits'' the community, the environment and the town's economy:

u A $25,000 Charlemont Village Historic Preservation fund, ''to mitigate the aesthetics'' of the 331-foot wind turbine. The money is to be used for paint and general maintenance of the town's historic buildings and properties within the village area. The proposal says the fund would be drawn from an application process developed with the Planning Board and town Historical Commission. In addition, the ski resort is offering to host an annual fundraiser intended to replenish the fund and continue historic property improvements.

u An annual $2,500 college scholarship for a Charlemont resident. The scholarship will be named in honor of James Schaefer's late wife, Elissa Anne Henderson.

u The resort would also like to donate and maintain a computer station at the Hawlemont Regional School to help develop a renewable-energy curriculum.

 

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