I have received quite a few questions from people asking what is going on in Berlin, NH.
The short answer is that the city has decided it wants to make some changes to its zoning ordinance, which it is perfectly entitled to do. Any such changes, however, have no impact on our biomass project. The reason for this is that the state of NH has determined that projects such as ours are of statewide significance. While citizens in the community where such a project is to be situated certainly have a voice in the process, as do citizens of the entire state, local ordinances do not trump state law. For an example, see http://www.nh.gov/judiciary/supreme/opinions/2000/londonde.htm
We have met with the city government and we look forward to continuing our dialogue with the city. We are trying to do a positive things for the community with our project and we want to be good neighbors, and we believe as people speak with us and get to know more about us then they will understand this and become more willing to work with us. As the city is fully aware, this is a brownfield site with significant environmental issues associated with it. It is doubtful that even if the city could own it at present that it would want to expose itself to such liabilities. Our project is the path to getting this site cleaned-up and ready for redevelopment so the entire site can be put to good use and generate property tax revenue and economic activity to revitalize the city.
We have talked to many of the residents and community leaders in Berlin, and it is clear that the top priorities in Berlin are jobs, lower taxes and funding for education. The aesthetics of the mill site are something that we can address as part of the development process, but nonetheless this issue is far down the list of priorities for most people in Berlin. Our poll numbers confirm this, as does independent polling on these issues (see, e.g., http://www.theunionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Survey+finds+jobs+key+to+Coos+future&articleId=8d97f07c-7ed7-463e-b441-716b862b2333 ) .
I am so encouraged to see so many people come out in support of our project in Berlin. A number of prominent local businessmen in Berlin have started a web site, citythattreesbuilt.com, in support of the project. Earlier today I was sent over 500 signatures, collected over the course of about a week, from Berlin residents that signed a petition supporting the project. To put this in perspective, about 3,200 people from Berlin voted in the last election. Given a little more time, I am sure we will have many, many more signatures. Seeing all those signatures today and knowing that so many people are counting on us to bring this project to Berlin really hit me. These people are counting on us and it's great to know that we are doing something to try to help them. This is the best possible motivation you can have.
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