The Allegany Town Board will continue to consider written comments through July 18 on a proposed zoning amendment that would set standards for wind energy production facilities.

About 30 people attended the Town Board's public hearing on the amendment Tuesday night, and only one of the eight who commented on the proposal supported it without asking for significant changes in wording or expressing opposition to commercial wind farms in the town.

Town Supervisor Patrick H. Eaton told the Buffalo News the town Planning Board has completed its work of drafting the zoning amendment and the Town Board can now make revisions or send it back to the Planning Board.

Several comments addressed the amendment's 1,000-foot setback of wind turbines from homes and others stated noise will be a problem. Preservation of views and rural character, along with protection of birds and bats, were also requested. One Town Board member said he would like to see the 15-foot distance lengthened to at least 25 feet between the ground and the turbine blade.

Town Planner Carol Horowitz, who worked with the Planning Board in drafting the law based on "a fair amount of research" and information provided by residents, said she will take direction from the Town Board for the next step.

The proposed amendment will come up again for discussion at the July 31 Town Board meeting. One company, Everpower, has expressed an interest in placing turbines on Chipmonk Road, but no formal application has been submitted.