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Ever hear the saying don’t believe everything you read? Especially true with the Bias Daily Sun. After speaking directly to some of the folks on the council it is clear to me they are not asking for dialog with Laidlaw. What they are saying is (pay attention BDS) don’t expect to get their backing without coming to them and providing them with the answers they looking for. Just like Henniker did. If Laidlaw continues to have the attitude that they don’t need Berlin’s blessing, then don’t expect theirs. The impression I get is that Laidlaw may not want to present their “facts” to the council because they know the council and public will start questioning their “facts”. Just like they did to Barry Kelly last Monday. Just my opinion of course.
I find that amusing Tom. I can appreciate how not being a local might make it difficult to understand the dynamics of the situation. I look forward to following this along with you over the course of the year. It should be educational for one of us. Based on Laidlaws (lack of) performance to date, I’ll try not to say I told you so.
You are welcome Tom. But I believe you have only seen the beginning. The unhealthy relationship between Berlin and Concord goes way back. You only need to be a local to truly understand just how much distrust Berlin has for State officials. Including Berlin’s own State Representatives.
I will be surprised to see any State officials in Berlin advocating for Laidlaw. Even though according to some they don’t need Berlin’s input or permission. They are well aware they will not get Berlin’s blessing. On the flip side I expect to see Berlin officials and residents in Concord at every opportunity to make clear their dislike of Laidlaws plans.
This Mayor and Council are in for at least another year. I expect you to hear much more from them and Berlin residents about their dislike of the idea of biomass on the mill site. And now that same sentiment is being directed at Laidlaw. Because like that arrogant guest who shows up uninvited and unwelcome, they are disillusioned about whom they believe their friends are.
Just curious, does anyone know how the NAD tax abatement is going? Does anyone truly expect to see Laidlaw officials going to Mayor and Council asking for tax breaks?
Council is against Laidlaw’s purchase of mill site
By Sally Manikian
BERLIN — The Mayor and Council have restated their opposition to the use of the former Fraser mill as a biomass site. “I want to go on record as not supporting this project in the City of Berlin,” said Councilor Tim Donovan. “They are trying to force something down our throat that we do not want. We run this city, this is our city.” “The presence of that structure is really impeding economic development on a lot of levels,” said Councilor Tom McCue. Mayor David Bertrand, during the meeting’s work session, had raised the devaluation caused by a downtown biomass plant in connection to the development of a casino as well as neighborhood stabilization and rehabilitation in the lower east side. News of the closing on the property was broken by the Berlin Daily Sun on Monday, Jan. 5. The news confirmed rumors that had been circling the week previous, as City Manager Pat MacQueen mentioned in his Manager’s Report. In June, the Mayor and Council passed a special zoning ordinance directed at new energy projects in Berlin that requires a series of special reviews by the City of Berlin. The purpose of the ordinance, as described in the ordinance itself, is to encourage the development of “properly located Energy Projects” and the “responsible evaluation of these Energy Projects.” This was in reaction to public hearings related to the Master Plan update, during which citizens indicated a desire to locate energy related facilities within the community of Berlin, but outside the downtown area. Since the state of New Hampshire has its own site plan review process for all projects over 30 megawatts, the Berlin ordinance would apply directly only to those projects less than 30 megawatts, said City Planner Pam Laflamme. An example of this is Clean Power, whose biomass facility will produce 20-27 megawatts. In all other proposals, such as Laidlaw’s, this ordinance can be disregarded by the state, or used in concert with the state process depending on the project proposed. Despite the lack of strict application of the zoning ordinance to Laidlaw, the Council expressed their insistence on maintaining control. “Through this process, our zoning and planning boards are going to be besieged,” said Councilor Donovan, who insisted that the Council is apprised of any information or applications before they reach the boards. “We do have the authority in this particular situation,” he said. “All boards are advisory.” Councilor Ron Goudreau supported Councilor Donovan’s comments, encouraging the Council to “take an active role” in enforcing strictly any noise and pollution ordinances. “If they cross the line by a fraction of an inch I will nail them,” he said. “I have never been so close minded to something,” he said, “but if anything comes to this Council, my vote is no already. It doesn’t belong here.” The Mayor and Council passed a resolution that any correspondence regarding the former mill property that is addressed to the planning or zoning board be copied to the Council. Councilor McCue voted against it, saying “I don’t know if we need a resolution.” “A resolution in force says we speak for all and it’s very clear,” said Councilor Donovan.
http://www.breporter.com/118510.113119body.lasso
Leave Berlin issues to Berlin residents
To the editor:
I am writing in response to Mr. Borowski’s Wednesday letter to the editor. First off I would like to say I feel strongly that everyone is welcome to their own opinion and should be urged to voice it. But I also think that when something is not your concern you should mind your business. What goes on in Gorham is none of my business, what goes on in Berlin is none of his business. He will not have smoke blowing through his property. He will not have to listen to the constant hum of chippers. He will not have to listen to trucks driving up the Cleveland stretch with their jake brakes sounding off. He will not have to go with his grandchildren to a park where he is in the shadow of that eyesore. If he feels so strongly about this mill running he should start a petition in Gorham to have it moved to the Gorham Common. I’ll be the first to sign it. Another issue is Laidlaw is saying people who are opposed to this power plant are a minority and they have 500 people who signed a petition that are in favor. Well, first of all there are around 10,000 people in Berlin so that may leave 9,500 who are against it. Also, I try to make it a point to ask the opinion of anyone I talk to about this issue, so far I have talked to around five people who favor it and many more who do not. I think Laidlaw needs to do a little more research.
Doug Roy Sr.
Ward 4, Berlin
www.laconiadailysun.com/Berlinpdf/2009/1/8B.pdf
Well Sage – Having spoken to most of the Councilors in person, (you tend to run into them around town) I can say with confidence “very seriously” is accurate.
But don’t hesitate to verify it with them for yourself. I’ll give them a heads up to expect a call from you. You might also want to ask them about any contact (or lack thereof) they have received from Laidlaw.
http://www.berlinnh.gov/Pages/BerlinNH_Council/index
It appears the city may be taking Clean Power very seriously.
Council gives city manager budget guidelines – 12/10/08
http://www.laconiadailysun.com/BerlinPDF/2008/12/10B.pdf
“Two other projects that scored high with the council were creating an access road from Unity Street to Clean Power Development’s biomass plant site…..The access road would handle truck traffic to the biomass site.”
You may want to notify the Governor before they turn off his heat.
I never said there was. I have told those readers here that I have heard the owners say financing is not an issue.
Tom, that is correct,
If a lender has legally committed to finance the project, then financing is not an issue.
I have been to several meetings where I have heard the owners say financing is not an issue. This is first hand information. Believe it or not. No different then someone saying they spoke to MB.
I have heard the owners say they have the financing for the Berlin project.
http://www.breporter.com/118510.113119body.lasso
Clean Power and Fraser Paper in discussion for steam options.
By Sally Manikian
GORHAM — During the Berlin Planning Board meeting on Nov. 6, Bill Gabler, Project Manager of Clean Power Development, mentioned the possibility of providing steam for Fraser Paper in Gorham. Since then, the two have met for preliminary discussions of Fraser’s needs. “We have had several meetings with them,” Mr. Gabler said. These meetings have focused on “how we can do it and what is it going to look like,” he said. In May, Fraser received Gorham Planning Board approval for a biomass boiler to be installed by Vision Power. That option is no longer on the table, due to a failure to “come together to meet all the statutes required,” said Willis Blevins, of Fraser Paper. Clean Power would provide steam to dry the paper at the plant. Water, pulled from the Androscoggin, is currently heated to facilitate the chemical action of the paper process. An option is also to provide hot water, said Mr. Gabler. The distance of pipe would be less than a mile, potentially using unused piping on a discontinued railroad trestle upriver from the mill. “It’s not that hard to do,” Mr. Gabler said. “We haven’t got down to what the cost is,” said Mr. Blevins of Fraser Paper. “I can’t say if it is feasible or not.” “We are at the talking stage,” Mr. Blevins said. Fraser Paper currently uses oil to provide steam and hot water, burning nine million gallons a year. A biomass steam system would replace fossil fuel use. Fraser Paper had spoken to Clean Power “before even starting to look at the wood boiler,” said Mr. Blevins. At this stage, Fraser Paper has provided Clean Power with their monthly steam needs in order to determine the potential cost. Once these needs are reviewed, then Fraser and Clean Power will “start talking in more detail,” said Mr. Blevins. Clean Power will be presenting a final site plan review to a joint Berlin Planning and Zoning Board meeting on Jan. 6. Following final state environmental sitespecific permits, Mr. Gabler anticipates being able to break ground first thing in the spring. Mr. Gabler is positive about the potential relationship between Fraser and Clean Power. “I think it’s a tremendous utilization of the natural resources to both develop new jobs and keep jobs in the mill,” said Mr. Gabler.
Perhaps you have not spoken to the right people. My sources indicate that NAD is looking for an out.
I recall these pics and thought they did a good job showing what remains today and it’s relationship to the community center. Looking at these it is obvious why there is opposition to it at that location.
http://berlinnhonline.com/boiler/index.htm
During a campaign stop in Berlin she was asked if she would respect the wishes of the residents and Major and Council to not support a biomass plant on the mill site and she responded it is her intension to “represent the wishes of the people.”
Spence, are you aware of a request from NAD for a tax abatement?
Rumour around town today is that at last nigths Mayor and Council meeting the suggestion of rezoning the property came up and is going to be looked at as an option for stopping the boiler from becoming a biomass plant. They must be serious about trying to stop it if they are willing to consider going that route. That should hit the local papers by tomorrow for your reading pleasure.
So when do they plan to close now? Let me guess, 30 days.
Like a broken record.
September 17, 2008
CEO Michael Bartoszek "said the company plans to close on the purchase of the property within 30 days."
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080917/FRONTPAGE/809170304/1043/NEWS01
No need to publicize until finalized. They are not trying to pump stock. You can pretend things are going well, but eventually the situation will require you face reality. Good luck with your “investment” sir.
The locals know what is happening with the mill site. When was the last time you came to Berlin to do your own dd?
"ALWAYS CONDUCT YOUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE -- YOU ALONE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR INVESTMENT DECISIONS -- HOPE IS NOT AN INVESTMENT STRATEGY"
Perhaps you should heed your own advice.
BNHR I believe you are correct in your assessments. I have personally confirmed that city leaders have been working diligently to assure Berlin’s future does not include a boiler on the mill property. These things take time. But you are correct about one thing IMO, the longer MB goes without producing anything beyond PR’s the more difficult it is to hold it all together. And easier for Berlin officials to pursue what they were charged to do last November.
Good Morning Peny. The “new and improved” views only compliment the ones that existed prior to the mills demo IMO. And will be improved further once the remaining stack and building are removed. Which won’t be to far off IMO. The riff between Gorham and Berlin that has long existed is becoming more pronounced as Berlin continues to dig itself out from a decade of failed policy’s and hollow promises made by empty suits. Berlin has put its mill days behind her and has started to make plans for a better tomorrow without heavy industry at it’s heart. The steps being taken will redefine Berlin as the new center of attraction for the surrounding area and points north IMO. Perhaps it is to be expected that some Gorham residents might see that as a threat.
Wood supply cannot support a large biomass plant in Berlin, study shows.
By Sally Manikian
BERLIN — As suspected, the wood supply in the region can not support a large biomass plant in Berlin. A study prepared by the private organization Innovative Natural Resource Solutions (INRS), hired by Clean Power Development, was made public at the Berlin City Council work session on August 11. Based on the conclusions of the study, Clean Power has now reduced the size of their plant from 45 megawatts to around 25. “The long and short of it is that there is only so many woodchips,” said Mel Liston, president of Clean Power. “We hired INRS to determine how much could be available at an affordable price and also not get into a situation with a shortage.” “This is a study that tells you collectively what could happen up here,” said Mr. Liston. The INRS study determined the scope of available wood for biomass based on a number of factors. The fuel for biomass relies upon the portions of the tree not used for higher quality wood such as sawlogs: tops, branches, and the bark. Hence the analysis looked at current wood cutting practices. First was geographic availability (the location of wood). That was cross-referenced with the price of diesel fuel to determine the boundaries of affordable, transportable wood. The reasonably prudent boundary was set at around 35 miles. Next the study took into consideration competitive draws on the wood basket, current and proposed, from White Mountain Lumber to Whitefield’s biomass plant to the proposed Greenova wood pellet plant. One project that Clean Power took seriously is the Fraser Paper Mill’s biomass boiler. “We realize that Fraser Paper would also like to put in a biomass, and use the same resource,” Mr. Liston said. “There are a lot of jobs there, and the plant has high social value. We will have to work around that.” The proposed Laidlaw project in Berlin is reviewed in the study. Since the plant is proposed to be 60-70 megawatts, it is in excess of the sustainable standard of 30 megawatts. “There is insufficient local biomass supply at what the INRS considers an economic price to source the Laidlaw project as proposed,” the study concludes. The Council took some time to digest the material. “It’s nice to have the real facts for something that we have only just thought about,” said Councilor Ron Goudreau. Councilor Goudreau also complimented Clean Power for their respect shown towards Fraser. “You’re showing your reputation concerning the community,” he said. The Council remained concerned with what would happen if Laidlaw carried through their project. “If all of a sudden this 60 megawatt plant comes along and strips the fuel, what’s that do to you?” asked Councilor Goudreau. Ideally, that would not come to pass, replied Mr. Liston. Because of the size of Laidlaw’s proposal, when and if it moves forward it will be subject to a highly scrutinized state review process, pointed out Mr. Liston. During that review process, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals, communities, and other businesses such as his own to intervene. “This study, along with state studies and entities such as the Division of Forest and Lands would give Laidlaw a hard time,” said Mr. Liston. “There is a concern for long term economics and the sustainability of the fiber basket.” Because of the conclusions of this study Clean Power has scaled back their proposal to 25-30 megawatts. This moderate proposal places Clean Power below the standard for the state review process, also shortening the project timeline. “We could be ready to go in four months,” said Mr. Liston. The study is available through Clean Power’s website, and will hopefully be discussed again in the future said Mr. Liston.
http://www.breporter.com/SitePage-18510.113119_Front_Pages.html
Whoever puts up information on this site said it did.
"The City Of Berlin NH also has a blog site"
That is misleading. They do not.
"We" does not refer to city officials. It refers to the people who put up that site.
All I am stating is that the site being linked to is not put up by the city and has no association with it. Regardless of what it says in it.
This is the City's official web site. www.berlinnh.gov
The city has no blog.
I noticed this information above the other day...
"The City Of Berlin NH also has a blog site ((in favor for LLEG)) @ http://www.citythattreesbuilt.com/index.php/blog/1
So I decided to check into it. I have been told by a city official it is NOT the City of Berlin NH blog."
Misinformation of this sort does no one any good. It should be corrected.
Thank You
MBBLLEG,
It would be nice if someone would start walking the walk instead of just talking the talk. IMO
"I was not aware that they'd had prior conversations. I certainly apologize for that," said Laidlaw attorney Jack McCormack, who sent Scott a letter before the meeting questioning the use variance.
A case where the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing??
Why is it this company is looking more and more like it just doesn't have it's ducks in a row?
Very concerning IMO.
Sage,
IMO over the last year or so you have come across in your posts like someone who has direct knowledge about what is going on with the company as if to try and build confidence, yet nothing ever comes of what you say. Why should you be believed now? Can you point to examples that show what you said will happen has actually happened? And I am not talking about frivolous things like PR's. Give us something significant that proves the company is making progress with just one of the projects they have already started.
On the other hand, some here have been saying all along Berlin isn't going to happen only to be ridiculed and dismissed. Yet so far they appear to be right on.
24 days left on the "expected much sooner then 90 days" deadline for closing.
Thank-you
I hope the news tomorrow is better.
Taking into consideration that the financing for Berlin didn’t happen “much sooner then 90 days” as expected, at what point would you expect to be told that the financing isn’t going to happen? With less then 30 days to go before the 90 days are up, it would seem to me some word that it is still on track could help settle some nerves. You can’t tell me someone doesn’t know how things are proceeding on that. In this case no news may not necessarily mean good news. As an investor I won’t be too happy if they wait for the 90 days to expire before telling us they now acknowledge that it won’t happen.
I was at the meeting. What better source do I need? It should be in tomorrows paper. Consider this your "heads-up".
No real surprise that it passed. But pleasantly surprised by the attorney for NAD who seemed to indicate to the council that while NAD does not believe it is in anyone's best interest, it is not something that NAD feels is worth fighting the city over. And apparently Mr. Bartoszek seems to agree.
Ok, it's a bit of a slow morning so what the heck I'll bite. What more is there to say Tim? The ad is just more of the same-old-same-old from the Bartoszek propaganda machine. Although you and those heavily invested here may choose not to believe it, people here in Berlin see right through it. If he could produce power like he produces PR's perhaps you would all be wealthy by now. The consensus around Berlin seems to be that if Mr. Bartoszek was sincere in what he has to say about what he is proposing he would be here in person talking to people and answering their questions rather then running ads and hiring talking heads like Bass. The fact is people here now see the steps their elected officials are taking and are confident in their elected representatives to protect Berlin's future. That is my guess why you may no longer be hearing from residents. Remember this is a small community where people know and talk to each other. And yes, we do know more about what is going on with regard to that site then any of you here.
The stock is flat because there has been no substance in anything put forth to date. And that goes for today's PR.
The zoning amendment should pass into law tonight. That will basically throw up another road block for Bartoszek (not that there needed to be anymore) and will effectively protect Berlin from having to live with an unwanted pile of spewing scrap metal in the middle of their community. Bye-bye Laidlaw. http://2much2do4now.typepad.com/photos/pulp_mill_site/mayor-toon.jpg
You are absolutely correct. It is obvious to those of us who live here what is taking place. Berlin is a small community where most everyone knows everyone and word travels fast. Anyone who says it will take several meetings to pass the zoning amendment has not taken the time to contact the city planner or manager to ask when the new zoning might go into effect? While you are at it, ask them about the opposition you believe does not exist. Oh and you may as well ask them about how much influence Berlin will have with the SEC. It’s all basic dd anyone could and should be doing. I have. And there are many former longs that also did. It’s easy. So why haven’t you?
I was running a couple errands downtown this morning and I happen to see the Mayor coming out of city hall with Mel Liston of Clean Power and Norman Charest the city economic development director along with one other gentleman I didn't recognize. Looking more and more like Clean Power is moving ahead with their plans.
If this is so, I would think this is a concern for LLEG. Especially given that Clean Power is ahead in the queue along with Noble and will be using the capacity on the grid that LLEG was expecting to use.
How many of you have spoken with city officials as part of your due diligence for this investment?
This is a audio clip recorded 4/21/08 at the Berlin Mayor and council meeting. It is the Berlin Economic Development Director Norman Charest addressing the Mayor and Council. Listen especially to Councilor Tim Donovan make his motion towards the end. He has been on the council for about 15 years. He admits the mistakes made by the former Mayor and Council and how that resulted in the new Mayor and Council. Basically the silence has ended. The city is now taking steps to take control of it's future. Its a whole new game now.
Link to site. http://berlinnhonline.com/council/audio.htm
Link to audio. http://www.zshare.net/audio/10917940cb757711/