April 6, 2011
Massachusetts

Charlton wants a halt to planned wind turbines

Debbie LaPlaca, www.telegram.com 6 April 2011Debbie LaPlaca, www.telegram.com 6 April 2011

CHARLTON – Residents’ arguments against three proposed wind turbines near the center of town persuaded selectmen last night to write to Overlook Masonic Health Center and Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School asking them to table their plans.

“We’re all for green energy so long as the green energy is properly sited,” resident and Heritage Country Club owner Tim Gillespie said to the board.

The two separate projects would place two 330-foot tall turbines 780 feet apart on Overlook property behind the library and one about one mile away on the campus of Bay Path.

The group of residents presented research and concerns regarding the Overlook twin turbines. Most notable were the potential effects of infrasound and flicker on nearby homes, Charlton Elementary School, the public library and youth athletic fields.

“We’re quite concerned with the effects it will have on the Burlingame road school and the ball fields,” Board of Health member Matt Gagner said.

Realtor and resident Jon Norrman used a study published on a similar project in Brewster to estimate the impact on Charlton property values. A house within two miles of the turbine, he said, will lose 25 percent of its resale value.

He counted 200 properties affected, for a total taxable value loss of $12.6 million, or a loss of $150,000 in annual tax revenue.

Selectmen said they will send a third letter to state legislators seeking more local control over proposed turbine installations.

The Bay Path project will be considered during a Planning Board public hearing tonight. A public hearing for the Overlook plan is set for April 20.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/04/06/charlton-wants-a-halt-to-planned-wind-turbines/