10/22/09
The first public comments criticizing the town’s plan to build two wind turbines in the old landfill area were heard last week at a meeting of the town’s Wind Energy Committee. During the Oct. 13 meeting at the senior center, Paul O’Connell, managing director of Granite Links Golf Club at Quarry Hills, said he has concerns about the turbine project, and its potential impact as a visual impediment to golfers. The zoning, approved at May Annual Town Meeting, allows for two turbines of up to 480 feet high on a town-owned parcel near the golf course. According to the zoning, the turbines would have to be built roughly 1,000 feet from nearby homes and roadways. They would have to be set back at least 100 feet from the golf course.
Thus far, residents who have commented publicly have either praised or asked questions about the turbine project, but no one has criticized it.
However, O’Connell said, “I wouldn’t be here tonight if the town of Milton had given Quarry Hills the same respect of distance as a house,” referring to the difference in set-backs allowed in the zoning.
Photo simulations have shown that the turbines would be most visible from view at the golf course – a property leased from the town – whereas surrounding homeowners will likely only see a portion of the blade over the tree line.
“If the Quarry Hills weren’t there, you may have picked a great site,” said O’Connell. “But if it has a serious negative impact on the Quarry Hills, we’d have to look at this with a different viewpoint.”
According to Selectmen Chairman John Shields, Quarry Hills has raised concerns that the turbines may cause a so-called flicker effect, whereby the turning of the blades at certain times of day could produce distracting light and shadows to golfers. Shields said Quarry Hills officials are in an “inquiry phase,” as they gather information about the pros and cons of wind turbine technology.
“We think we may have to turn down the turbines for an hour a week” to avoid the flicker effect, Shields explained in a phone interview following the meeting. “I think that’s fine with us. We think we have specific answers that [prove] it won’t affect their golfers. But they have a significant investment they have to protect.”
Shields stressed the town is committed to having the turbines, which town officials have estimated could achieve nearly $1.5 million in annual savings for the town, after an initial break-even period to pay off installation costs.
“We are going forward with this project,” Shields added. “The Selectmen feel strongly that this project is far too important for the future of this town to waffle on.”
Things got heated at the meeting when longtime resident Bob Mason, who lives on Quarry Lane, accused the Quarry Hills of being “a lousy neighbor.” While Mason said he is “not 100 percent in favor” of seeing the turbines, he said he “could care less” what the Quarry Hills thinks.
“Our basements flood because you don’t have floodplains,” Mason said.
“Unlike Mr. Mason, we do care about our neighbors,” was O’Connell’s response.
Mason had kinder words for the Wind Energy Committee, which he said has been “completely transparent.”
“I usually go into a meeting with a chip on my shoulder. But I don’t feel that way here. Anything I’ve asked for, this committee has given me,” he said.
Meanwhile, the committee plans to hang balloons at the site of the two turbines, to simulate how they would appear to residents.
The committee planned to conduct the test last week but residents at the meeting asked that they delay for a few weeks until more leaves are off the trees, to make the balloons more visible.
Committee Chairman Richard Kleiman said that in a best-case scenario, a financial plan for the turbines will be ready by February and construction could commence by winter next year.
Go to www.sustainablemilton.org for more information on the town’s wind turbine project.

– Scott MacKeen