Huntington eyes wind turbine code, Canon plan

Town of Huntington officials, amid photography giant Canon's bid to build 11 wind turbines in Melville, are considering crafting a town code to allow such structures.

Town board member Mark Cuthbertson said in coming days he will be meeting with various internal departments to discuss adding such legislation to the books.

"Currently there is nothing in the code that addresses wind turbines," Cuthbertson said. "Since wind is one of the potential renewable energy sources people are looking to harness, it makes sense to have a regulatory standard."

Canon's application for a variance to the town zoning board of appeals to consider construction of turbines at the company's new North American headquarters was delayed in October.

Canon lawyers were due to appear before the ZBA to discuss the application to place the wind turbines at the headquarters --which is slated to open in early 2013 -- at the southwest corner of Walt Whitman Road and the Long Island Expressway south service road. But the hearing was postponed because Canon had not submitted the photographs and noise and aesthetics studies the ZBA had requested.

Canon submitted two site plans in July to the town planning department for approval but was issued a letter of denial over setback guidelines and a variance, and requested more information.

In an email statement, Canon officials said they had no updates on the wind turbine application and continue to evaluate the company's next steps.

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Alissa Sue Taff, president of the Civic Association of Sweet Hollow, said she is neither for nor against turbines but said the town needs a standard.