HomeMy WebLinkAboutMolly Sproul Comment Letter EBSF letterdocxMy name is Molly Sproul and my husband, Jim, and I are residents
of Main Street in Centerville and have been for over 30 years. We
define “home” -as most of our neighbors do- as a place that embraces
history. We chose to live here BECAUSE of the historic depth and
significance.
I am writing to you regarding the Park City Wind project and
Avangrid’s choice of Main Street in Centerville as the route for
construction.
Our villagers have fought the installation of the T-Mobile cell
tower that is now in operation -concealed within the church steeple
and are now in a similar situation as Avangrid proposes to conceal 800
MW of power under our streets. Not only are we seriously concerned
about the unknown effects of electro magnetics, but of the physical
structure of our historic homes as construction is described.
The District of Critical Planning that was established in 2008 and
clearly states: The Centerville Village Center DCPC was
designated to support the small-scale economy of the
village center and protect its historic resources.
In small print at the end of the wind farm proposal it
states: The Project is likely to result in disruption of
businesses and residents during construction period, with
acute impacts in the village of Centerville.
Construction of the substation and other interconnection
infrastructure requires approximately 6.39 acres of tree
clearing.
The Project may result in damage to trees along the cable on-
shore route.
The current draft of the Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan
includes the following map that designates the Historic resources.
The heavily “dotted” area of the Centerville Village indicates the
historic elements in and along the preferred route. The Pine
Street area has far fewer inventory points.
We would suggest that the Park City Wind project clearly
causes concern of risk to the foundations of our antique homes,
stone walls, tree lined streets and does not support the protection
of the District of Critical Planning.
Avangrid has made verbal promises of pre and post structural
assessments, compensation to the several business owners along the
Main Street route for significant loss in income, and yet, nothing is
currently in writing. There is information that causes us great concern
regarding the financial viability of the Park City Wind Project and as a
result, serious concern regarding the ability of Avangrid to meet their
promises.
We feel that the permitting process should be at a minimum paused
until all provisions of the host agreement as well as the verbal promises
are concrete.
We fully understand the need to sewer our town. We feel that the
rush to partner with the wind project as it goes forward through our
village has the potential of tremendous risk to the historic preservation.
Thank you for consideration of our concerns,
Molly Sproul
548 Main Street
Centerville, MA 02632