February 10, 2011
Massachusetts

Cohasset: Planning board reviews issues with Turkey Hill wind turbine proposal

The Cohasset Planning Board continued their hearing for a special permit for the proposed Turkey Hill wind turbine Wednesday night.

The board began their deliberations for the 410-foot wind turbine being proposed on Turkey Hill off Route 3A and went over different conditions they may impose on the project applicant, The Trustees of Reservations.

They spent over an hour on the flicker issue that affects residences within a thousand feet from the turbine, including the Golden Living Facility and so called caretakers residence. After a straw vote, board member Chuck Samuelson says right now, he’s ready to vote against the project.

Samuelson said, “The caretaker’s cottage and Golden Living Center is a great concern. I don’t think the proposal meets the intent of the by-law of being less than significant. The applicant has failed entirely to address the items in chapter 12, by making proposals that address the safety, welfare, comfort and of the community and the town’s economy and environment.”

And board member Stuart Ivimey says he’s concerned about ice throw from the turbine, while people are strolling around the Turkey Hill Park in the winter.

“Ice fall and ice throw is a significant problem. Fencing is significant problem, given that there’s a park up there. I think the concept of putting up signs saying, ‘watch out for tossed ice’ really isn’t going to get it done,” said Ivimey.

The board did not have enough time to get through any conditions they may impose on the project.

The hearing is continued until February 23, 7:30 P.M. at Cohasset town hall.

URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/10/cohasset-planning-board-reviews-issues-with-turkey-hill-wind-turbine-proposal/

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