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The light flicker is analogous to having a strobe light penetrating into almost every room in your house at the same time. If you walk outside you can see the continuous movement of the shadow from the large blades covering the entire street. To say the least, it is very overwhelming, distracting and disconcerting.

To Whom It May Concern:

I want to begin by saying that I am a great proponent of alternative energy and conscientious use of our natural resources. We need to continue to pursue options using our research and development skills to help alleviate the energy crisis. In that light, it is fair to say from data analysis, that wind turbine energy is not the “save all” of the energy crisis. It may only add a very small fraction of alternative energy that will help alleviate our dependency on fossil fuels.

After witnessing the construction of a large turbine within close proximity of my home, I have experienced the harm associated with light flicker and visual impact. Similarly, I have done extensive research from reputable sources on the Internet to learn about the health and safety hazards of wind turbines. The bottom line is that they are not suitable to be built close to residential housing districts.

The problems linked to wind turbines are real, they do exist (read the news/check the Internet) and we need to take heed, attend to these warnings, and be responsible. The location of wind turbines is the one issue that encompasses the viability of its success. The location issue snowballs into a plethora of real concerns to the well being of communities, especially to the citizens living in close proximity to wind turbines.

The issues include: size of the wind turbines, quantity of turbines, visual impacts on the community, setback to neighboring property, low frequency noise and vibration, health affects on neighboring residents, shadow casting, ice throw, catastrophic failure, fire, and preparedness of emergency personnel.

My personal experience with the visual impact of wind turbines in close proximity to residential property, especially the neighbors in close range to the turbine, has been a real issue. The turbine destroys the tranquility of the neighborhood and the freedom to enjoy the natural world around us. The light flicker is analogous to having a strobe light penetrating into almost every room in your house at the same time. If you walk outside you can see the continuous movement of the shadow from the large blades covering the entire street. To say the least, it is very overwhelming, distracting and disconcerting.

As a community we need to act responsibly to protect citizens’ rights and the general public. The one wind turbine that disrupts our neighborhood only benefits one business owner. The negative effects of adversely siting wind turbines too close to the general public are the problem, not wind turbines. Comprehensive evaluations of wind turbine energy in relation to public safety and private property rights are a main responsibility of our cities, towns, and state governments.

I applaud alternative energy including wind turbines, but in the right location.

Karen Blaustein
Newburyport, Massachusetts
June 7, 2010