| Home | Obituaries | Classifieds | Help Wanted | User's Guide | For Advertisers |
|
|
||||||
| GREENFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS | ||||||
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
[ Originally published on: Saturday, July 18, 2009 ]
CHARLEMONT -- While no one agreed on whether a proposed 331-foot wind turbine on Berkshire East's Thunder Mountain would enhance or spoil the mountain view, most of those who attended Thursday's public hearing apparently believe that in the abstract, clean, carbon-free energy is a thing of beauty. Many also wanted to see one of the town's largest businesses continue operating in bad economic times, as a result of the new energy source.
About 30 residents at the Planning Board hearing gave their reaction to a July 10 balloon test, which showed the visual impact of the Berkshire East resort's proposed 900-kilowatt wind turbine.
Co-Chair Gisela Walker said the turbine will measure 331 feet from the base to the tip of the rotor, with a wind-blade length of 95 feet. When in operation, the blades will rotate at a speed of 25 revolutions per minute. It is designed to provide for all the ski resort's electricity needs, with any surplus electricity to be sold to the grid.
''I think this is a fantastic addition for Berkshire East,'' said Ray Purinton of Warfield Road. ''They need it,'' he added. ''Berkshire East needs this turbine to help it survive, to cut (utility) costs,'' said Purinton. ''I think (wind turbines) are beautiful -- and I'm probably going to have the best view of it.''
''I'm definitely in favor of it,'' agreed Maureen Flaherty. ''Anything that will help Berkshire East become more effective, I'm in favor of.''
