Is this our wind turbine project?
www.southcoasttoday.com 8 February 2012
The selectmen meet with the site Acquisition Specialist on the Tower location project. He tells of how the money from this project will go to the town’s budget. There is immediate opposition from local residents. Those NIMBYS.
A school board member brings a petition with over 200 signatures to halt the project. A PowerPoint presentation shows how these towers clash with the aesthetics of the neighborhood and lower property values. It was also stated that there was not enough data proving that these towers do not create a health risk. “Would you take the chance with your children?” The builder disputes the claim that these towers lower property value. Some other concerns were about the damage to wetlands because of this project. Not to worry, because the builders would work with the Conservation Commission. That sort of thing would not be allowed. “It’s not something you can skirt around,” he said.
Vice Chairman Michael Silvia said the builder did not show an effective case for the project. Chairman Charles Murphy said, “Sometimes the cost of a good neighborhood is priceless.” The board votes unanimously in favor of not moving forward with the tower. Another reason is that the revenue generated by this tower would not necessarily justify the project. This was the cell tower project. Read all bout it in the Neighborhood News, Volume 5, Issue 35, Sept. 23, 2010, edition.
OK, that tells me it’s all about the money, or the right contacts. The selectmen are willing to change their minds if there is enough money. So, you can take that “a good neighborhood is priceless” statement and sell it to the highest bidder.
So with the industrial wind turbines, which are really even bigger towers, you get the “it’s OK,” even if it clashes with the aesthetics of the neighborhood? It’s OK, we got the money! Lowers property values? It’s OK, we got the money! Will damage the ecosystem? It’s OK, we got the money. Hasn’t been proven that these towers do not create a heath risk? It’s OK, we got the money. It’s always about the money. I just want to know at what number did our town officials decide, it’s OK we got this much money, we can sell out the neighborhood now.
Wayne Vieira
Fairhaven
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/08/is-this-our-wind-turbine-project/