February 19, 2011
Massachusetts

Falmouth ZBA does not overturn turbine decision

By Craig Salters, FALMOUTH BULLETIN, www.wickedlocal.com 17 February 2011

Falmouth – The Falmouth building commissioner’s decision to allow a controversial wind turbine off Blacksmith Shop Road without a special permit process stands after Thursday night’s vote by the town’s zoning board of appeals.
The board actually voted 3-1 to overturn Building Commissioner Eladio Gore’s decision but a unanimous vote was needed for such an action.
Dennis Murphy, acting ZBA chairman, voted to overturn the decision as did members Patricia Johnson and Kenneth Foreman. Ronald Erikson proved the lone but decisive vote to keep Gore’s decision in place.
Many in the audience expressed sadness but not surprise at the decision, which had been discussed at length during recent public hearings.
“Tonight, this is exactly what we expected to happen,” said Todd Drummey, a resident of Blacksmith Road and one of several residents opposed to the municipal turbine for noise issues and other concerns. Drummey added he has not been able to sleep for several nights because of the sound the turbine makes.
“It’s tough to get a unanimous vote,” said Neil Andersen, another resident affected by the turbine. “It looks like I’m not going to get to sleep again tonight.”
After the meeting, Murphy declined comment on the matter, explaining that the board’s decision first needed to be signed, filed with the town and pass the mandatory 20-day appeal period.
“Until that happens, it’s still in front of us, technically,” Murphy said.
The Falmouth Bulletin will update this story both online and in next week’s print edition.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/19/falmouth-zba-does-not-overturn-turbine-decision/