Letter To The Editor #2 - Cape Codder - 3/12/2007
RECKLESS SCHEME
As an Eastham taxpayer, I am concerned that the wind turbine project proposed for North Eastham exposes Eastham taxpayers to potentially significant legal defense costs and continuing complaints for the following reasons:
1. Eastham is a quiet, rural town valued for its scenery and quaintness. The town has no visible industry, and it attracts residents and visitors alike because of these qualities. That is one reason Cape Cod National Seashore occupies half of our town. We will never be able to repair the visible damage these structures will bring sitting 600 hundred feet in the air, and dominating the countryside view for many miles.
2. This plan will create an industrial park in a neighborhood; it would be bad enough if an out-of-town firm tried to violate this area, but this plan seems to be advanced by our own elected selectmen. How did they ever adopt this idea of their responsibilities, and how do they think this scheme is appropriate or acceptable for our town?
3. This site threatens our town water resource area, and violates an area that was originally acquired by the town to specifically protect our water sources from industrial pollution.
4. There are a host of unknowns; turbines cause noise when they revolve, strobe lights and flickers are visually disturbing, particularly at night.
5. It seems peculiar, too, that the target neighborhood involved already has been inflicted with the Tilcon plant, a shooting range, a dog kennel, and some unsightly lots. Why pick on this neighborhood of nice homes? Why not choose the town property located off Nauset Light Beach?
6. Finally, despite the statements to the contrary, this scheme is a real threat to property values.
I strongly advise that Town Administrator Sheila Vanderhoff use her considerable influence and good will to convince our town selectmen to abandon this reckless proposition.
Joseph F. Conlan Jr.
Eastham