Letter To The Editor - Cape Cod Times  3-18-2007

Wind turbines don't suit Seashore view
The Eastham Energy Committee is taking the prudent approach by not seeking bids for the proposed wind turbine facility in the shadow of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

It would behoove the town planning board to follow suit and make a recommendation that no land be deemed suitable for a wind energy facility. Article 1, Section 1 of the proposed zoning bylaw states that its purpose is to “minimize the adverse impacts of wind energy facilities on the character of neighborhoods, property values, scenic, historic and environmental resources of the town of Eastham.”

At this point the main focus of the discussions have been about the impact on nearby homeowners. While those concerns have great merit, one would hope that Eastham board members and elected officials would not lose sight of the designation of the National Seashore for all to enjoy in their efforts to create alternative electricity.

For a municipality that heralds itself as “The Gateway to the National Seashore” to even consider installing an industrial plant so near this treasured resource is in itself an oxymoron. Why should “minimizing” the adverse effects on such a great scenic, historic, and fragile ecosystem be even considered?

Mark Price

Stafford Springs, Conn.,

and Eastham