Plymouth ZBA Denies Stop & Shop Turbine Permit

The hot, noisy, long, and “sometimes confusing” hearing on September 11, 2013 was captured in Emily Clark’s Wicked Local article, “Plymouth Zoning Board of Appeals: Wind turbine permit denied.” Among others, Clark quotes Kerry Kearney from the town’s Energy Committee, who said the proposal is “the worst wind turbine site in the state.”

The most dramatic appeal, perhaps, came in the form of Edward and Sue Hobart, who said they have been forced to literally abandon their $500,000 home in Falmouth because of the health impact the wind turbine there had on them. They said they have been forced out of the home and must now sell it for $335,000.

“I have wind turbine syndrome,” Sue Hobart announced. “I was diagnosed by Mass. Eye and Ear. I hit the deck and fell flat on my face. I have an inner ear problem I never had before the turbine went up.”

Concerns were expressed that the residents of Algonquin Heights would suffer the greatest impacts with their homes within 600 feet of the proposed turbine. The turbine would have stood 275 feet high and produced 800 kilowatts of electricity, offsetting 75% of the store’s electricity–when the wind was blowing.

The vote was 3-2 against granting the special permit. Stop & Shop is not expected to appeal the decision.