Turbine location inappropriate for something of its size 

I would like to address some incorrect statements and assumptions that were made during and after the meeting of the Alternative Energy Committee at the Marion Music Hall.

Someone asked how many had been to previous committee meetings and no one raised their hands. The Sentinel incorrectly reported that the question had been, who had read the feasibility study and no one raised their hands. The fact was that most of us in the room had read the study and it had been forwarded to many there for their information prior to the meeting. Some of these people do not live in the neighborhood under consideration, but were there for information.

My question to the committee concerned the turning radius for equipment delivery from Point to Delano Road as discussed in the feasibility study. My concern is that Delano Road is a narrow, fragile road that would suffer with this type of delivery. There are numerous wild animal crossings. It seems ridiculous to cut down trees for a one-time delivery for a machine of this size. There are 197 electric, cable and other wires crossing Point Road to Delano that would have to be lifted. The other option offered in the report would be by helicopter, such as the type, which lifted yachts out of the marshes after Hurricanes Gloria and Bob, but committee member Bill Saltonstall stated that there was not a helicopter large enough for this project. The third option would be delivery by barge through the Wings Cove marsh, perhaps needing a dock, massive tree removal and a 30-foot wide road cut into Great Hill, as well as obtaining environmental permits. My remarks were aimed at bringing attention to this part of the study.

Although I do not have gray hair, I have worked on various town committees to help protect things that we love about Marion and why people move here. As one woman said at Town Meeting several years ago, Community has an “I “and a “U “in it.

Ms. Francis must not assume that those attending meetings have nothing better to do, are done climbing career ladders or fear change. Many people were there because the proposed wind turbine seems to be going in an inappropriate location for something of its size. Most folks in that meeting have repeatedly stated that they support wind energy, and some wondered how much more crowded that room would have been if the turbine was to be placed on Ram Island.

It is true that one turbine will not stop the barges from going up and down Buzzards Bay with their crude and that we need to start taking action. We enjoy a pristine way of life on the South Coast while others in the world suffer. The point was that people are concerned about the location in a residential area, as well as requesting further studies.

I encourage Ms. Francis’s children, as well as others in town, to help us clean up Bird Island in April to prepare the beach for the endangered terns. It is a great learning experience. I hope that the Alternative Energy Committee will not stop considering other forms of renewable energy, such as solar panels on the new police station roof, and not fixate on one turbine.

Respectfully,

Sue Maxwell Lewis

Delano Road, Marion