These minutes are not verbatim – they are the secretary’s interpretation of what took place at the meeting. – Open Meeting Law – Section III.
Board Members: Marc Garrett, Malcolm MacGregor, Paul McAlduff, Larry Rosenblum, and Bill Wennerberg
Planning Board Alternate: Timothy Grandy
Staff Members: Lee Hartmann and Patrick Farah
Recording Secretary: Eileen Hawthorne
Marc Garrett thanked Malcolm MacGregor for his 34 years of service to the Town of Plymouth.
Administrative Notes:
Minutes:
The Board approved the minutes of April 26, 2010 as presented.
The Board determined that the following Form A plan is entitled to endorsement:
A4363 – Edward C Herries, Boot Pond Road, Map 88, Lot 26H – Divide lot 26H (38.087 A) into lots 26H-1 (1.79 A) and 26H-2 (36.29A)
Larry Rosenblum moved for the Board to approve the Administrative Notes as presented; the vote was unanimous (5-0).
BOA – 3584
Future Generation Wind LLC
810 Head of the Bay Rd/Map 129, Lots 2A-1, 2B-1, 15-Z, 2A-2, 3-U, 6 and 16
Tim Grandy recused himself from this hearing and joined the audience.
Atty. Robert Betters began the presentation for a special permit subject to environmental design conditions for Wind Energy Facilities in order to construct five wind turbines and associated infrastructure on property located in south Plymouth near the Bourne line. The site is approximately 133 acres in size. The turbines will be approximately 328 ft to the top of the hub and 492 ft. to the tip of the blade. The closest residence is over 1,000 ft. from the proposed turbines. The project will comply with the requirements of the bylaw including noise and shadow flicker standards. A balloon test was advertised and held on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Atty. Betters noted that the turbines will be lit as requested by the F.A.A. Atty. Betters requested that conditions No. 6 and
7 in the staff report be amended to include the word “substantial” in regard to changes or additions (condition 6) and violations (condition 7). Keith Mann, property owner, explained that the wind turbines are being proposed in an effort to diversify his cranberry growing operation. Mr. Mann stated he has done significant outreach to the surrounding neighborhoods in order to minimize the impact of the proposed wind turbines. Some neighbors voiced their concerns and others expressed support. An informational website (futurewindllc.com) has been created. The conceptual plans have been presented to EOEA.
The U.S. Dept. of Energy has completed a study on wind energy facilities which found no significant issues with wind turbines. The benefits to the Town include increased tax revenue, maintaining open space, creation of power, and jobs during the construction phase. Global benefits include being less energy dependent and creating less pollution. At full capacity, the turbines will create enough energy to power 4,000 houses.
Larry Rosenblum asked if the residents and government of Bourne have been notified of the project.
Simon Thomas, Atlantic Design Engineers, stated that a presentation was made to the Bourne Planning Board and they were supportive. Also, the abutting Bourne residents were notified of this public hearing.
Richard Tabaczynski, Atlantic Design Engineers, reviewed the site plan which detailed the location of the proposed turbines, cranberry bogs with access roads, wetlands, an electrical easement, Route 25, and the proximity to surrounding neighborhoods. A portion of the site is a mapped habitat for endangered species and the plan has been filed with Mass Natural Heritage and the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The wetland areas have been delineated with the Conservation Commission. The location of the turbines was based on providing adequate fall zones and maintaining a 1,000 ft setback from residences as required under the bylaw. The plans include detailed information on the construction and site line profiles of the turbines. Mr. Tabaczynski noted that during the balloon test, one of the balloons
was incorrectly raised for a period of time to the hub height of the turbine instead of the blade height. A correction was made, and for the remainder of the balloon test and for an additional couple of hours, the balloon was raised to the proper height. The peer review consultant has asked for details on erosion control, grading, etc. which were not problematic and can be addressed in a revised set of plans. Noise and a shadow flicker analysis studies have been completed and the turbines will comply with the town bylaw and state requirements.
Malcolm MacGregor asked if there were any physiological effects of the pulse as they rotate.
Mr. Tabaczynski stated that studies show that there is no direct correlation between wind turbines and health issues.
Atty. Betters stated that the outreach to the neighbors will continue.
Mr. MacGregor asked if the locations and size of the turbines was flexible.
Mr. Thomas stated that the location of the turbines was moved back as far as possible while maintaining efficiency.
Mr. Mann stated that he would be willing to move the turbines if economically viable.
Mr. Tabaczynski stated that they could move a small amount, but the layout is efficient based on wetlands, wind speeds, and setbacks..
Patrick Farah reviewed the staff report and noted that the turbines will be painted white and have a blinking red light as requested by the FAA. There will not be any advertising signage on any of the units. A letter was submitted detailing the cost estimate for turbine removal and an escrow account will be created to handle any removal costs. It is required that the MET tower data be provided to the Town.
The Board took a five minute break.
Tom Booth and David Daylor presented the neighborhoods concerns with the proposed turbines in relation to the bylaw which requires minimal impact to the neighborhoods. The presentation included their concerns with health, noise, visual impacts and shadow flicker issues of wind turbines as well as impacts on real estate values. The neighbors are concerned with their quality of life.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
In Favor:
Annette Herbst; Jerry Palano, State Dept. of Agricultural Resources; Paul Nixon; Rose Forbes; Elizabeth Lumb; Jim Sweeney; David Mann; Elizabeth Frances; Kevin Ames; and Matthew Leone.
In Opposition:
Cullen Gufstafson, on behalf of the Bournhurst Drive neighborhood; Kay Turgeon; Joanne Salamone; Paul Luszcz; David Daylor; Bill Kennefick;
Atty. Betters stated that the proposal meets all the requirements of the bylaw and the project is entitled to the special permit. A petition has been signed by over 1,000 residents that are in support of wind energy facilities.
Larry Rosenblum was concerned that the setbacks may not be adequate. He also suggested that there should be an additional balloon test conducted.
Paul McAlduff was supportive of the proposal.
Mr. MacGregor although supportive of renewable energy had some concerns with the excessive impact of this project on the surrounding neighborhoods. He suggested a reduction in the number of turbines and/or the relocation of the turbines.
Bill Wennerberg also was concerned with the impacts on the neighborhoods.
Marc Garrett was supportive of the concept, but concerned with the disproportionate impact to the neighborhoods. Mr. Garrett suggested that the applicant consider re-locating turbines 5, 2, and 1 and/or reduce the number of turbines to four.
Atty. Betters requested a continuance to May 10, 2010 in order to consider the Board’s suggestions.
Paul McAlduff moved to continue the Board’s review of BOA Case 3584 to Monday, May 10, 2010 at 8:20 p.m.; the vote was unanimous (5-0).
The Board endorsed a two-year extension of the River Run TRVD Special Permit. Larry Rosenblum recused himself from endorsing the above-mentioned document.
Paul McAlduff moved to adjourn at 11:00 p.m.; the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Eileen M. Hawthorne Approved: May 10, 2010
Administrative Assistant
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