May 2, 2012
Massachusetts

Wind turbines generating controversy in Shelburne

Joyce Ogirri, www.wwlp.com 2 May 2012

There’s a possibility that four 400-foot tall wind turbines could be located on a hilltop in the town of Shelburne.

The Shelburne town meeting will vote on four different articles Tuesday night dealing with wind turbines.

The first three articles would change the zoning and stop the current application for the four industrial size wind turbines. Despite opposition in town, some residents see some benefits.

“A lot of people about their property values going down but there’s more to it than that. I’m for alternate energy I’m for getting more power in the lines and less coal burnt to get it,” said Patrick Killagen of Shelburne.

If these three articles fail, the application can still go through a zoning appeals process to get a permit.

The proposal is calling four industrial size wind turbines will be constructed on the mountain behind me. Some people don’t believe there will be any benefits for the town of Shelburne.

The benefit I see belongs to the developer the developer pockets the money and we get nothing. If people are interested in alternative energy the simplest immediate remedy is to conserve,” said Frank Rozelle of Shelburne Falls/

The last article is a moratorium to stop permits for any wind turbine for a year. That would give the planning board time to develop a wind turbine by-law.

The first three articles must pass for the application to be denied. If they don’t then the application won’t affected by the moratorium.

Barbara Perry of Shelburne says the health issues are varied wind turbine syndrome ranges from not being able to sleep in your own home, hypertension and anxiety.

The town of Shelburne will vote at the annual town meeting at 7:30 Tuesday night at Memorial Hall.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/02/wind-turbines-generating-controversy-in-shelburne/