WGXC-90.7 FM
Athens Generating controversy at IDA hearing
Jun 08, 2012 1:56 am
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="304" caption="Athens Generating"]
[/caption]WGXC's Sam Sebren was at the Greene County Industrial Development Agency's public hearing Wed., June 6 in Athens at West Athens-Lime Street Fire House located at 933 Leeds-Athens Road, where several residents spoke against a proposed PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) deal for Athens Generating, a 1,080 megawatt plant already in Athens. PILOTs are tax breaks typically given to lure new businesses to an area. After the public hearing technically closed, the group continued talking, with a heated exchange between Athens Town Supervisor Lee Palmateer and the IDA board. "You haven't provided anything here to describe to us what the benefit is to the community," Palmateer said. "The IDA is not responsible for this re-financing plan, whatsoever, you were on the sidelines watching it happen and intercepting the funds."
Click here to hear Sam Sebren's report on the meeting, with audio of several residents opinions on the matter.
PLAY REPORT 13:00
Click here to hear an excerpt of the recording, of Athens Town Supervisor Lee Palmateer questioning the IDA officials after the public hearing about the propriety of the PILOT deal.
PLAY CLIP 1:41
[/caption]WGXC's Sam Sebren was at the Greene County Industrial Development Agency's public hearing Wed., June 6 in Athens at West Athens-Lime Street Fire House located at 933 Leeds-Athens Road, where several residents spoke against a proposed PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) deal for Athens Generating, a 1,080 megawatt plant already in Athens. PILOTs are tax breaks typically given to lure new businesses to an area. After the public hearing technically closed, the group continued talking, with a heated exchange between Athens Town Supervisor Lee Palmateer and the IDA board. "You haven't provided anything here to describe to us what the benefit is to the community," Palmateer said. "The IDA is not responsible for this re-financing plan, whatsoever, you were on the sidelines watching it happen and intercepting the funds."Click here to hear Sam Sebren's report on the meeting, with audio of several residents opinions on the matter.
PLAY REPORT 13:00
Click here to hear an excerpt of the recording, of Athens Town Supervisor Lee Palmateer questioning the IDA officials after the public hearing about the propriety of the PILOT deal.
PLAY CLIP 1:41