BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – More than 30 people turned out Tuesday night to express their concerns about the revised Town of Canton’s code law.

The main focus at the public hearing centered around the EDF Renewables 240-megawatt solar project on the Rich Road and the No Dogs Left Behind sanctuary.

The bulk of comments questioned the reasoning behind the revisions and language contained in the proposed law.

Canton resident David Huber asked why Canton is so opposed to the Rich Road project, saying it would have a positive impact for the town.

“This solar project would have a direct impact on everyone’s lives in a good way. The fact so many people showed up tells you something,” said Huber. “You have the opportunity now to do right by Canton. It doesn’t make sense to scuttle the Rich Road project as written today.”

Eric Walter, a physician at Canton-Potsdam Hospital addressed health concerns, noting that solar energy outweighs a natural gas energy source.

“Although status quo [natural gas], what we are using now is far more harmful,” he stated.

Bill Sweeney, whose property sits within the Rich Road project on the Old DeKalb Road, supported the EDF Renewables project.

“I really think what you are doing to EDF and my retirement is disingenuous,” he remarked.

“Solar panels are much better for our environment and our world,” stated Andrea Huber.

Canton native Andy Smith spoke on behalf of Jeffrey Beri and No Dog Dogs Left Behind.

“If you read the law it creates impediments for improvements to the property,” who noted he toured the facility on Tuesday. “It also creates an oversight regime.It creates an entirely new regime to attack in another way. It’s nice seeing a business out there employing people and volunteers. I invite conversation versus regulation.”

Margaret Mauch, who lives near the dog sanctuary and has expressed numerous concerns about the operation, citing several suggested revisions to the current code law.

Debbie Bridges, who owns Maple Ridge kennels with her husband Styles, also had problems with the current language in the proposed law.

Canton Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley thanked everyone for attending the public hearing.

“The board has listened and will take everything into account and bring it back to committee,” Ashley said. “The board agrees with me that we need time. I thank everyone for being here.”