The smugness with which the two abutters opposing the Hyannis Country Gardens wind turbine were met at a recent meeting by some planning board members and non-abutters was, to me, insulting.

The smugness with which the two abutters opposing the Hyannis Country Gardens wind turbine were met at a recent meeting by some planning board members and non-abutters was, to me, insulting.

I know neither of the gentlemen who spoke in opposition, but feel as if they raised valid concerns about their neighborhood in a thoughtful and respectful manner and, although allowed considerable time to speak, were basically dismissed out of hand.

The abutters spoke of their fondness for renewable energy as I and most of us have, but they were rebutted by attempted humor and indignation from the speakers from outside the affected neighborhood.

I know this is the easy way to sum up, but it is undeniably true. If the Cumberland Farms on West Bay Road in Osterville, or Wimpy's, or The 1856 Country Store in Centerville wanted to erect a 156-foot wind turbine on their property, would the concerns of the neighbors be met with respect? Or, better yet, would the turbine be allowed?

A clear and inarguable double standard exists in the town of Barnstable.

 

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