Comments on: Making windpower real in New England http://www.clf.org/blog/clean-energy-climate-change/making-windpower-real-in-new-england/ For a thriving New England Tue, 17 Sep 2013 23:46:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6.1 By: Seth Kaplan http://www.clf.org/blog/clean-energy-climate-change/making-windpower-real-in-new-england/#comment-960 Seth Kaplan Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:47:52 +0000 http://www.clf.org/?p=4306#comment-960 For those who want an objective compilation of views on the impact of wind turbines on property values take a look at what the National Association of Realtors has compiled on their website. http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg509

As to the Massachusetts Wind Facilities Siting Bill – the idea that it would destroy local control is very hard to reconcile with the fact that the final version of the bill approved by the State Senate in the last session was supported by the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the organization that actually represents the towns and cities of the state. http://www.mma.org/public-works-energy-a-utilities/4406-senate-oks-revised-wind-siting-bill

]]> By: Barbara Durkin http://www.clf.org/blog/clean-energy-climate-change/making-windpower-real-in-new-england/#comment-959 Barbara Durkin Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:35:51 +0000 http://www.clf.org/?p=4306#comment-959 The only way to make wind energy real in Massachusetts is by diminishing private property rights. Thus, the quality of our lives will be diminished.

Inverse condemnation, or a regulatory taking of private property rights, is exactly what the Patrick Administration has planned. The Wind Turbine Siting Reform Act is a tool provided to developers that allows them to leap-frog past public and environmental protections in place. Why should wind energy LLCs be granted Wind energy mandates that will have direct impacts that reduce property values, and the rights of nearby neighbors?

Download File(s) that show property loss by wind turbines:
McCann Appraisal, LLC written testimony re Setbacks & property values June 8 2010.

http://www.windaction.org/?module=uploads&func=download&fileId=2037

The intent of the Wind Bill is shift the power of 2/3 Town Meeting vote to an appointed panel that would make all wind turbine siting decisions. This Bill constitutes the erosion of public and environmental protections, setbacks, height restrictions, and zoning now in place to protect citizens residing in Massachusetts communities.

Boston Business Journal 11/14/10 states: “The Wind Bill will not allow the State to overrule local zoning rules said State energy spokesman Lisa Capone.”

However, according to the State, the politically appointed wind energy permitting board created by the Wind Bill “…has the authority to waive any local requirements needed to permit the facility, including, e.g., use limits and height limits in local zoning bylaws…”

The Wind Bill is a bad Bill as it undermines citizens’ rights and local control by design. It’s co-authored by a wind developer seeking unlimited, unmerited, development potential and profits. By the Wind Bill, the public surrenders current zoning and virtually all public and environmental protections in place, including the power of 2/3 Town Meeting Vote, to wind developers and their investors.

State of Mass Wind Bill Summary:

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/forestry/wind%20energy%20siting%20act%20summary.pdf

]]>