Coos Conversations

Do the math, property values decline around stacks

This is fascinating testimony in the Hopkington biomass power plant case that outlines the negative impact that Laidlaw could have on local property values -- on both sides of the river. Download final_letter.pdf
and here's the full testimony Download louis_court_testimony.pdf

Berlin's future could lie with Amenity Migrants.

Link: 'Amenity Migrants' Alter Life In Resort Towns : NPR.

Unbelievable deals on some very chic clothes

Rumorz Boutique -- the hottest new place to shop in Coos County (83 Main Street, Berlin) is having a "back to school" sale, but the clothes are definitely not just for going back to school. They're for work, for fun, or for just hangin out and being comfortable.
A friend of mine and I kept the place open an extra hour last week while we tried on everything the store. I got the chicest and most comfortable pair of jeans I've ever owned, a great top and very versatile and comfortable black skirt for under $100. A friend of mine bought a shirt that receivevd so many complements and queries as to where she got it, that she can barely get anything done whenever she wears it.
Not only are the prices fabulous, but proprietress Stacia Roberge is smart enough to realize that not everyone is a "normal" size and that good taste is important no matter what you're wearing. As a result she has a fabulous selection of really great looking clothes is larger sizes.

Just cuz there are lots of trees, doesn't mean you can put in a biomass plant

Over the weekend I received updated maps which I've posted below, but it's also worth reading this analysis of why just cuz you see lots of trees in the North Country, doesn't mean you can run another 65MW biomass plant there.

Beware of job creation promises

The past few mornings during my run, I've been passed by at least a dozen flat bed trucks each carrying one prison cell for the new federal prison up the road. Each is a completely self-contained unit, with windows, plumbing, the works. Every time another one passes, I wonder who built it and in what community those jobs were created. It certainly wasn't Berlin. The company that makes them is based in Pennsylvania.

So anytime someone proposes a fabulous new factory or "job creation" project, make sure you ask the right questions. Sure it's going to create jobs, but where? 

The answer to wood supply questions

Just found this map that shows the existing and proposed biomass facilities in the North Country. No wonder there's not enough wood supply!

(These maps are new and updated)

The "About to Close" count

An interesting debate is finally starting to surface about the issue of whether there's enough wood supply for 2 wood-fueled biomass plants in the Berlin area. The Berlin Daily Sun ran a piece citing a study from Clean Power that there would not be sufficient wood supply. Today Michael Bartosek at Laidlaw fired back at the Sun and Clean Power  with this.
What I find most interesting about Bartosek's irate response is the last line, in which he states: "  Everyone knows the Berlin transaction is about to close."  Well, I'm part of "everyone" and I know no such thing.
Not to misquote a former president, but it depends what your definition of "about" is. Laidlaw has been saying that this project is "about" to close since I first moved to Berlin 2 years ago. So if "about" means sometime in the next 2-3 years, he might not be too far off. But I have to wonder whether his day-trading shareholders have a similar long-term definition.

So I propose we start to count the number of times we hear the "about to close" line from Laidlaw. When we get to 100, lets officially redefine "about to close" as "never going to happen."

These people should move to Coos County

This gets the award for the silliest trend of the year:  Canned Oxygen Selling Like Hotcakes.
As the writer suggests, a deep breath of fresh air is much better for you. These people should save their money and move to Coos County :)

Read these comments and you'll learn alot!

Deja vu all over again!.

Berlin NH Riverfire 2008 Event

Most fun event of the year in NH!Riverfire 2008 Event.