Just what do planes, trains, automobiles and turbines have in common?
More than you might think.
There have been similar debates over these things in the past, even present and will be into the future.
Where the South Coast is today, and where it isn't, is a direct result of how issues resolving these things (at least the planes, trains and automobiles) have been dealt with.
Let's see if anyone gets the connection, and where this conversation may go from here.
Electricity first came to Fairhaven in 1889, but many people were deathly afraid of it. When the New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Railway Company switched its trolleys from horse power to electricity in 1890, Fairhaven refused to let the electric cars cross the bridge into town. The electric trolleys ran to Popes Island where passengers had to transfer into a horse-drawn car for the rest of the trip. It took five years to convince Fairhaven residents of the safety of electricity and finally, in 1895, the town voted to allow the electric trolley cars.
ReplyDeleteAn example worth noting. As an FYI, I am "alluding" to events more recent.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a girl rte 195 came through Mattapoisett quite near my grandfather's house off Acushnet Rd. I remember that my friends and I thought it was exciting to watch the massive machines do their work, but we were saddened by the loss of the fields and woods where we ran free. My other grandfather who was the owner of Jensen's Variety on rte 6 in Marion watched his profits dwindle and his property value decrease because of the lack of Cape traffic. Of course I did not appreciate his loss until I was a young adult. If given the choice both of my grandfathers would have preferred an alternate site for I-195. But sometimes progress means sacrifice. In this case the progress is a faster rte from points south of Providence to the gateway to Cape Cod. I for one appreciate 195 b/c I wouldn't want to travel that distance on rte 6 on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteThese days there are neighborhoods and green space that stand in the way of the train coming to New Bedford, a plus the citizens would benefit from as it would give many the opportunity to get to work where is work to be had without having to commute 4 hours round trip daily to get there.
I understand why the residents in that area detest the fact that 2 turbines will be in their backyards.That's the honest argument they should be making instead of whipping up fear of the unknown by dragging the special needs students into it (an insult to my sons both of whom have neurological disorders)or comparing it to Hitler's atrocities (an insult to my husband whose father survived the Holocaust as a young boy in Poland).
I enjoy your blog. As far as the turbine situation - I think people are concerned about the turbines in their backyard for many valid reasons - property values, annoyances & YES POSSIBLE health effects. I also feel the debate is being clouded with all the references to special needs students and Nazism. Maybe I am wrong but never heard the Windwise people saying that the autistic children would definitely be affected by the turbines. I just heard "Could it be a possibility that those with sensory issues be affected?" and does anybody actually know the answer to that? I don't think those are unfair questions to ask. There are reports from around the world (and Falmouth) where people geniunely seem to be having problems. I really don't think these people(Windwise) are as inconsiderate or radical as you think or as being portrayed in the media. I actually think it is quite the opposite. There might be some folks who were a little obnoxious at meetings but I think asking questions/investigating the turbine effects is necessary. It is a shame - these forums and so forth should have been held before the selectmen signed a contract.
DeleteCan I ask how old you are Diane?
DeleteI absolutely agree there are people who are concerned, and with some very valid reasons.
DeleteI also agree the debate is being clouded, and would add by more then just the two issues you raise.
I do not cast all members of Windwise in the same light. As far as how the group is collectively being portrayed in the press, some of them seemed quite content with the press coverage so long as the press was positive.
We obviously have a difference of opinion on some things, but we will have to agree to disagree on our individual observations as to what has transpired to date.
I appreciate your willingness to address the matters from your point of view.
50 - ?
Deletehttp://mlui.org/landwater/fullarticle.asp?fileid=17466
"Pediatrician Pierpont makes her case for very large setbacks in Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Report on a Natural Experiment. But her effort has received criticism from wind advocates who point out that it has not been properly peer-reviewed and that her research methods are questionable. They point out that Dr. Pierpont’s research did not follow standard scientific methods including using a random sample population, control groups or an adequate sample size to reach its conclusion that turbines’ infrasound causes migraines, sleeplessness, dizziness, panic attacks, and other maladies.Critics claim that her work amounts to what scientists call a “case set”—a quick, informal look at something that might be worth a larger, scientifically valid, follow-up study. Despite the doctor’s highly public advocacy and promotion of her idea over at least five years, further research on her claims still has not happened."
http://grist.org/climate-energy/2009-11-16-nina-pierpont-quest-to-sound-the-alarm-on-wind-turbine-syndrome/
"So here’s what’s wrong with wind-turbine syndrome. First, there’s Pierpont’s method. Her study consisted of 38 people from ten families—by most standards too small to yield conclusive results. All of them self-identified as people who were already experiencing health effects; there was no control group. Further, acousticians who study the issue say Pierpont fundamentally misunderstands the nature of low-frequency sound. "
There's also the Phoenix Bike Trail. A group of eleven residents filed a lawsuit against the town to stop its construction in the 1990s. They claimed the trail along the old railroad bed would lower property values, wreck the natural beauty of the town, endanger students at Rogers School (by exposing them to dangerous strangers), and invite crime (by dangerous strangers). The group opposed to the Phoenix Bike Trail claimed the town's residents were not given notice of public meetings and that town officials were secretive about the plans, and that their concerns were not being considered. The lawsuit was dismissed and today many people feel the creation of the Phoenix Bike Trail was one of the best accomplishments in decades.
ReplyDeleteIn all fairness, there is a difference between the bike trail and the turbines. Your point is well taken though. Those were the arguments being made and presented as statements of fact.
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