CCT 4-5-11 Members embrace wind turbine moratorium
By Aaron Gouveia, Cape Cod Times, www.capecodonline.com
5 April 2011
FALMOUTH — No new wind turbines will be built in Falmouth for at least one year.
Monday’s annual town meeting overwhelmingly approved a one-year moratorium on constructing wind turbines in town. The measure, which was backed by the planning board, is to provide town officials ample time to study noise, vibration and shadow flicker issues that may affect those living near turbines.
Wind I, the town’s 1.65-megawatt turbine off Blacksmith Shop Road, has been a lightning rod for controversy since it was erected last year.
Neighbors have complained of adverse health effects caused by the nearly 400-foot-tall structure, and a handful of neighbors are currently suing the town over its operation. But while neighbors have made quite a bit of noise at public meetings regarding the turbine, there was very little debate Monday night regarding the moratorium.
Selectman Mary “Pat” Flynn told voters the Cape Cod Commission has submitted potential turbine siting regulations to the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, and hearings will begin later this month.
Kathleen Driscoll, a town meeting member, asked if any other type of moratorium had ever been proposed in the past. A ban on curb cuts along Route 151 was approved in the 1980s, according to Town Planner Brian Currie, and a ban on certain business permits was approved in 1992.
The article easily exceeded the necessary two-thirds vote for approval, with only a smattering of people voting no.
