Firm proposes hydroelectric power
By Michael Turton
Foundry Brook, the water source for Cold Spring and Nelsonville, could become a source of electrical power, as well.
At a meeting of the Cold Spring Village Board on Oct. 3, representatives from BQ Energy of Wappingers Falls proposed installing a small hydroelectric generator at the water treatment plant on Fishkill Road.
The unit would be owned by BQ, which would sell most of the electricity to Central Hudson but also provide power to Cold Spring at a discounted rate that would save the village about $10,000 annually, according to BQ’s managing director, Paul Curran.
If the project is approved, Curran said construction could begin by late summer. He emphasized the generator would have no impact on the supply of water to the villages because it would use only overflow from the dam at the treatment plant. Overflow occurs about six months out of the year, he said.
This would be BQ’s first hydroelectric project, he said. The company focuses on solar and wind power.
Village Attorney John Furst and consulting engineer Bart Clark will review the proposal.
In other business…
- Architect Karen Parks presented concept plans for the front of 126 Main St., formerly Carolyn’s Flowers, including use of the village-owned stoop. Plans are contingent upon the Historic District Review Board approving the new owner’s application to demolish the building as well as approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Trustees approved the HDRB’s request to use the services of AKRF, environmental, planning and engineering consultants for projects proposed at 126 Main St. and 35 Market St.
- Sale of the village-owned stoop to the owners of the property at 66 Main St. was approved.
From Sept. 26…
- Bids will now be received for repairs to the roof at the Cold Spring Fire House.
- Trustees discussed a request to purchase a small village-owned lot at the corner of New and Market Streets. No action was taken pending an evaluation of the property.
- Final approval was given for a performance art event by Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto in the lower Main St area on Nov. 4 celebrating the opening of Magazzino, the art space located on Route 9 in Philipstown.
