CHERRY VALLEY - The town board, here, will listen to public comment on a 12-month moratorium on major development Monday evening.

Although officials say the moratorium is not aimed at Reunion Power's proposal to put 24 wind turbines on East Hill, it is likely the hearing will boil down to those for and against the plan.

Planning board chairman Jeffrey Wait said Reunion's project would be halted if the moratorium was approved. Since a "significant investment" - defined simply by the state as shovel hitting dirt - had not been made before the moratorium's proposal.

Earlier this month, Reunion submitted its site plan application to the planning board, but it was not accepted because the company had not gone through a required "pre-application conference," prior to submission of the proposal on July 7.

According to Wait, Reunion could resubmit the application in August with any modifications or additional information requested by the planning board during the conference which was held last week.

Monday's hearing will begin at 6 p.m. and be held in the town garage.

"In anticipation of the large turnout, we will pull the town trucks out of the newly constructed addition and set up chairs inside the garage," said town supervisor Tom Garretson.

People will be asked to sign-in at one of three tables. One table will be for town residents; one for representatives of town residents; and a third for non-residents. Sign-in will begin at 5 p.m. and those in attendance will be asked if they support, oppose or are undecided about the proposed moratorium.

Garretson said the board will hear first from town residents, from their representatives second and non-residents last. Each person will be limited to two minutes.

"The board will be there to hear your opinion, not to address your questions or concerns," Garretson said. "I would ask that we limit this public hearing to just that - a hearing of your concerns - not a showing of posters, signs, t-shirts, hats or other visible signs of approval or disapproval. This is a night to voice your opinion and we, as your town board, are there to listen."

Copies of the law (Local Law No. 1 2006-2007 Development Moratorium Law) are available for review by contacting town clerk Mary Beth Flint at 264-3986 (press * 2 when leaving messages)

According to information provided by the town, the planning board is asking for the moratorium for three reasons:

• To develop a Wind Energy Development Local Law so that major wind energy developers know the wind development laws of the town as well as the town's expectations;

• To allow the comprehensive planning committee sufficient time to complete the town comprehensive/master plan that is in progress;

• To allow the town planning board the sufficient time to revise current land use regulations on major subdivisions/developments and to create new land use regulations.

Garretson did not know if the town board would make a decision on the moratorium immediately after the public hearing Monday.