Sally Winslow talks with the School Committee at their meeting 2/24/09 as reported here earlier
Myth: It's okay to throw something away as long as it's biodegradable. Read More »
Monday, March 2, 2009
SchCom: Asst Supt Candidate
Dalai Lama coming to Gillette
GHS
FOXBOROUGH —
From the New England Patriots to the Rolling Stones, a long list of famous figures have moved through Gillette Stadium.
In May, the Foxborough venue will add yet another name to the list: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.
Recognized by many as the rightful head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama will give two public talks on Saturday, May 2, at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., one on the "Four Noble Truths of Buddhism" and the other a reflection on "The Path to Peace and Happiness." Each talk will last about two hours.
----------
Tickets for the Dalai Lama's talks go on sale March 6 for $37.50, $75.50 and $117.50. Tickets will be available at TicketMaster.com or by phone at 866-448-7849. Parking is free.
For more information, visit www.bostontibet.org. To learn more about the Dalai Lama, visit www.dalailama.com.
read the full story about the Dalai Lama's visit to Gillette Stadium this May in the Milford Daily News here
"the loggers will create a fire road"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
For the first time since the town commissioned its long-term forestation program study in 2000, officials will step into the woods with paintguns and begin marking up ill-fated trees, said Conservation Commission member Paul Boncek.
Barring unforeseen weather problems, Boncek will accompany registered forester Philip Benjamin of Easton on Wednesday to examine the town's open space. Benjamin conducted the study and "is intimately familiar" with the property, just off Summer Street.
Using a remote camera, Boncek will record their walk through the woods, stopping at various trees to explain why they are choosing to knock down each particular one, he said. He plans to put the recording on cable access television so people have a better understanding of the process and the purpose of the forestation program, he said.
"It's a unique thing and people often don't understand it," Boncek said. "After we mark up all these trees, sunlight makes the young trees grow up and older ones get more sunlight and become healthier."
read the full story about the reforestation planning in the Milford Daily News here
"We're certainly willing to sit down"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Just as President Barack Obama has called for sacrifices to be made in the midst of the country's economic turmoil, many town workers are also considering what cuts they are willing to make for the greater good.
Last Wednesday, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy announced that 51 school administrators, including every principal and assistant principal, the superintendent, and all non-union secretaries, offered to freeze their salaries next year.
That will save an estimated $50,000 to $70,000, and two teaching positions, said Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, who becomes superintendent July 1.
"We felt good about that," she said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Town Council - Agenda - 3/4/09
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 4, 11, 2009
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - Public Land Use Committee
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Update – Mike D’Angelo
2. Update – Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-09: Appropriation – Survey on 30+ Acres on Pond Street
2. Resolution 09-10: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway
3. Resolution 09-11: Appropriation – Capital – Fire Dept Ladder Truck
4. Resolution 09-12: Appropriation – Capital – DPW Lawn mower
5. Resolution 09-13: Creation of Forge Park Economic Opportunity Area
6. Resolution 09-14: Creation of Franklin Industrial Park Economic Opportunity Area
7. Bylaw Amendment 09-630:Amendment to Chapter 37, Town Properties - 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - Public Land Use Committee
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Update – Mike D’Angelo
2. Update – Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-09: Appropriation – Survey on 30+ Acres on Pond Street
2. Resolution 09-10: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway
3. Resolution 09-11: Appropriation – Capital – Fire Dept Ladder Truck
4. Resolution 09-12: Appropriation – Capital – DPW Lawn mower
5. Resolution 09-13: Creation of Forge Park Economic Opportunity Area
6. Resolution 09-14: Creation of Franklin Industrial Park Economic Opportunity Area
7. Bylaw Amendment 09-630:Amendment to Chapter 37, Town Properties - 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
"If you don't take care of it, you won't have it"
"We're trying to chip away, slowly but surely, to make ourselves greener and reduce our carbon footprint," Kane said.
Solar panels, as well as electrical inverters that change the direct current from the roof to alternating current that can be fed into his NStar electrical system, cost Kane $149,817.
But a $67,568 rebate from the Mass. Technology Collaborative, a $44,945 federal tax credit, a $7,221 state tax credit and other incentives brought the price down to $45,312, he said.
He will pay that amount off over six to seven years.
The solar power system is expected to generate about 18,900 kilowatt/hours a year, which should add up to an annual savings of about $3,800 on utility bills at today's rates, he said.
Kane also shopped locally, getting the Devens-manufactured panels from Marlborough-based Evergreen Solar. His electrical inverters were built by Solectria Renewables of Lawrence.
Kane, who lives in Framingham, said he is now researching whether it would make financial sense to expand his solar array and sell electricity back to his utility company. If so, he sees bigger potential in his industry.
"There are millions of square feet of storage roofs around the country," he said.
Read more about the solar electric installation in the Milford Daily News here
For additional information on solar energy, check out the series held by the Franklin Area Climate Team here
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Ed Cafasso's Letter
Hello Everyone!
I apologize for falling slightly behind in my monthly updates… The first eight weeks of the year have flown by! Here’s a brief update on recent school issues in Franklin…
Fiscal Year 2010 Budget: Intensive work is underway in an effort to figure out the best financial plan for the Franklin schools given the difficult financial climate we are all facing.
Costs continue to outpace revenues and, in the current economy, revenues are shrinking. The big drivers of school cost increases in the coming fiscal year are teacher salary hikes and step changes; healthcare prices, special education, and transportation. Normally, given the budget cuts the schools sustained in the current fiscal year, one would hope for at least a level-service budget in the new fiscal year that begins July 1, a budget that meets cost increases and preserves current personnel and programs. Instead, the net effect of declining state and local revenues means that the Franklin schools will be fortunate to secure a level-funded FY10 budget. “Level funded” means operating the schools with the same amount of money as the previous year, despite increasing costs.
Under a level-funded scenario, cuts imposed last July will be not be reversed. To balance the FY10 budget, the schools will need to trim nearly $3 million in costs – the equivalent of 60 classrooms positions. Given that 45 professional teaching positions were eliminated at the start of this school year (and 14 were cut the year prior), School Committee members, administrators, principals and staff are working together to explore and discuss every possible option in an effort to avert another dramatic teaching cutback and even larger class sizes.
Everything is on the table. In recent weeks, for example, all 51 of our non-union school personnel – administrators and secretaries – decided to freeze their salaries and give up any increases in FY10. It remains to be seen whether unionized school workers will adopt a similar approach. Also unclear are the details of how the Franklin schools might benefit from the Obama administration’s stimulus package. Keep in mind, however, that the stimulus money is not recurring revenue – once it is spent, the personnel or programs it supports will be without funding.
I urge everyone to stay close to the budget process this year by paying attention to School Committee, Town Council and Finance Committee meetings; and by seeking a frank discussion of these issues with your principals and your school PCCs. As a reminder of the budget cuts your schools have sustained in the past six years, I encourage you to visit this web link: http://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-ma-school-budget-reductions-updated-presentation?type=powerpoint
School Calendar: As Oak Street and Horace Mann parents may have heard, the state Education Commissioner has refused to grant a waiver from the 180-day requirement for the single day that classes were cancelled when the facility closed due to a September water pipe break. The result is that an additional day of school will be tacked onto the end of the academic year for Oak Street and Horace Mann students.
As of this afternoon, classes in Franklin are scheduled to end Friday, June 19, which means that the extra day of school for Oak Street and Horace Mann students would fall on Monday, June 22. But another major snowstorm is being forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Additional cancellations will push the school calendar further into the week of June 21.
Franklin High School: There has been no news on the district’s application for funding assistance from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. A professional inspectional team from the MSBA toured the building in mid-December as part of Franklin’s application for state funding assistance. We hope to have an indication from state officials soon about the likelihood of state support for the renovation of the school or the construction of a new building. You can expect school and town officials to move quickly once we are able to secure some clarity from the MSBA.
The next meeting of the School Committee is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10th.
These e-mails are provided as a constituent service. I try to distribute at least one e-mail update each month during the school year, as issues warrant. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.
Thank you!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
I apologize for falling slightly behind in my monthly updates… The first eight weeks of the year have flown by! Here’s a brief update on recent school issues in Franklin…
Fiscal Year 2010 Budget: Intensive work is underway in an effort to figure out the best financial plan for the Franklin schools given the difficult financial climate we are all facing.
Costs continue to outpace revenues and, in the current economy, revenues are shrinking. The big drivers of school cost increases in the coming fiscal year are teacher salary hikes and step changes; healthcare prices, special education, and transportation. Normally, given the budget cuts the schools sustained in the current fiscal year, one would hope for at least a level-service budget in the new fiscal year that begins July 1, a budget that meets cost increases and preserves current personnel and programs. Instead, the net effect of declining state and local revenues means that the Franklin schools will be fortunate to secure a level-funded FY10 budget. “Level funded” means operating the schools with the same amount of money as the previous year, despite increasing costs.
Under a level-funded scenario, cuts imposed last July will be not be reversed. To balance the FY10 budget, the schools will need to trim nearly $3 million in costs – the equivalent of 60 classrooms positions. Given that 45 professional teaching positions were eliminated at the start of this school year (and 14 were cut the year prior), School Committee members, administrators, principals and staff are working together to explore and discuss every possible option in an effort to avert another dramatic teaching cutback and even larger class sizes.
Everything is on the table. In recent weeks, for example, all 51 of our non-union school personnel – administrators and secretaries – decided to freeze their salaries and give up any increases in FY10. It remains to be seen whether unionized school workers will adopt a similar approach. Also unclear are the details of how the Franklin schools might benefit from the Obama administration’s stimulus package. Keep in mind, however, that the stimulus money is not recurring revenue – once it is spent, the personnel or programs it supports will be without funding.
I urge everyone to stay close to the budget process this year by paying attention to School Committee, Town Council and Finance Committee meetings; and by seeking a frank discussion of these issues with your principals and your school PCCs. As a reminder of the budget cuts your schools have sustained in the past six years, I encourage you to visit this web link: http://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-ma-school-budget-reductions-updated-presentation?type=powerpoint
School Calendar: As Oak Street and Horace Mann parents may have heard, the state Education Commissioner has refused to grant a waiver from the 180-day requirement for the single day that classes were cancelled when the facility closed due to a September water pipe break. The result is that an additional day of school will be tacked onto the end of the academic year for Oak Street and Horace Mann students.
As of this afternoon, classes in Franklin are scheduled to end Friday, June 19, which means that the extra day of school for Oak Street and Horace Mann students would fall on Monday, June 22. But another major snowstorm is being forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Additional cancellations will push the school calendar further into the week of June 21.
Franklin High School: There has been no news on the district’s application for funding assistance from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. A professional inspectional team from the MSBA toured the building in mid-December as part of Franklin’s application for state funding assistance. We hope to have an indication from state officials soon about the likelihood of state support for the renovation of the school or the construction of a new building. You can expect school and town officials to move quickly once we are able to secure some clarity from the MSBA.
The next meeting of the School Committee is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10th.
These e-mails are provided as a constituent service. I try to distribute at least one e-mail update each month during the school year, as issues warrant. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.
Thank you!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
the new House majority leader
Chris Feeley, Franklin's town council chairman, is also a fan, citing Vallee's work ethic.
"He has his job as a state representative, he has his law practice, he serves in the military, and he is a very family-oriented guy and somehow balances all of that very well," Feeley said. "Most important for him, he doesn't make his family sacrifice, which is what I respect most."
Read the full article on Rep Jim Vallee's rise to the House majority leader role in the Milford Daily News here
"The cost is often greater than anticipated"
Franklin School Superintendent Wayne Ogden said layoffs could leave the town with a wider budget gap.
"The liability for the town overall could be huge," Ogden said, if anticipated layoffs become a reality. "In a worst case scenario, the unemployment benefits for the town of Franklin could get into the millions."
Read the full article on how layoffs affect the budget in the Milford Daily News here
Saturday, February 28, 2009
"We should have plenty of time to adjust rates"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
As part of its plan to make $19.4 million worth of upgrades to the district's sewer plant, the Charles River Pollution Control District is asking Franklin - its largest contributor - to pay the bulk of the cost.
Based on flow going into the plant, Franklin owns 67 percent of the plant's capacity, and is expected to pay $2.52 million in fiscal 2010, which is $445,570 more than its share this year.
Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting said he has received mixed opinions about whether Town Council must vote to approve the $19.4 million, 20-year bond that will be needed, or if the district can simply assess users an increased rate. He said he waiting for an official opinion from the state Department of Revenue.
Regardless of how the money will be approved, the work needs to be done, Nutting said, if for no other reason than the daily $25,000 fine the state Department of Environmental Protection would impose for not complying with regulations.
Read the full article on the Charles River plan in the Milford Daily News here
You can view the actual presentation from the Charles River Pollution Control District as given to the Town Council during the February 4th meeting here
"a wonderful addition to the state forest"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
The state is considering buying 50 acres next to the Franklin State Forest from a private owner, said state Wendy Fox, spokesman for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The DCR has sent a notice of interest to the town, Fox said, and is talking with the landowner, Reed Trust, of 230 Village St., Medway, of which Ronald Dolloff is a trustee.
The owner is asking for $2 million for the property at 1312 West Central St. (Rte. 140), confirmed their real estate agent, Jeff Allaire of ERA Key Commercial in Franklin.
The property, zoned as office/light industrial, also includes a 1,368-square-foot, boarded-up two-story house.
Neither Fox nor Allaire would comment about how serious the state is about acquiring the land, or how close it is to acquiring it. Fox said the state has been in talks with the owners for about six months.
"We do this all the time, the state is always looking at interesting property," Fox said.
Read the full article about the state's interest in the property in the Milford Daily News here
Friday, February 27, 2009
FM #32 - Abraham Bolden
In this Franklin Matters podcast, #32 in the series, we get a special presentation. Abraham Bolden, the first African American member of the Secret Service, came to Franklin to tell his life story and involvement with President John F Kennedy.
Time: 1 hour, 12 minutes, 27 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #32
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 32 in the series.
This session is a special one. On Wednesday evening, February 25, 2009, there was a presentation on the JFK Assassination at the Thomas Mercer Auditorium in the Horace Mann/Oak Street complex. Franklin resident Bill Glynn presented an overview of the events leading up to and around that fateful day, Nov 22, 1963. Abraham Bolden, the first African American member of the Secret Service came to Franklin to tell his story. The opportunity to hear Abraham in person was taken by about 50-60 people of all ages.
Now you can share in that opportunity. What follows is the audio recording of Abraham Bolden's talk. In his voice, you'll hear him tell of growing up in East St Louis, rising from a Pinkerton detective position to the Illinois State Police and from there to the Secret Service. In the Secret Service he met John F Kennedy in Chicago and then also at the White House where Abraham was stationed briefly.
One quote to keep in mind as you settle in for a little over an hour of Abraham's story. From the philosopher, Antonio Gramsci:
I don't think you'll find Abraham's talk long. I found his first person narrative riveting. His direct, honest and religious approach to life comes through. You'll begin to understand how the echoes of Dealey Plaza still reverberate today.
I would like to give special thanks to Bill Glynn and Abraham Bolden for allowing this recording. By sharing in this way, we can continue the discussion.
You can read more about Abraham Bolden and his book, "Echo from Dealey Plaza" here.
--------------
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 1 hour, 12 minutes, 27 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #32
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 32 in the series.
This session is a special one. On Wednesday evening, February 25, 2009, there was a presentation on the JFK Assassination at the Thomas Mercer Auditorium in the Horace Mann/Oak Street complex. Franklin resident Bill Glynn presented an overview of the events leading up to and around that fateful day, Nov 22, 1963. Abraham Bolden, the first African American member of the Secret Service came to Franklin to tell his story. The opportunity to hear Abraham in person was taken by about 50-60 people of all ages.
Now you can share in that opportunity. What follows is the audio recording of Abraham Bolden's talk. In his voice, you'll hear him tell of growing up in East St Louis, rising from a Pinkerton detective position to the Illinois State Police and from there to the Secret Service. In the Secret Service he met John F Kennedy in Chicago and then also at the White House where Abraham was stationed briefly.
One quote to keep in mind as you settle in for a little over an hour of Abraham's story. From the philosopher, Antonio Gramsci:
“The challenge of modernity is to live without illusions and
without becoming disillusioned.”
I don't think you'll find Abraham's talk long. I found his first person narrative riveting. His direct, honest and religious approach to life comes through. You'll begin to understand how the echoes of Dealey Plaza still reverberate today.
I would like to give special thanks to Bill Glynn and Abraham Bolden for allowing this recording. By sharing in this way, we can continue the discussion.
You can read more about Abraham Bolden and his book, "Echo from Dealey Plaza" here.
--------------
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
"should have been aware of these plans for years"
By Rachel Lebeaux Globe Correspondent / February 26, 2009
Officials at the Franklin Food say the facility might have to close down completely if town officials insist that it vacate its space to make room for a relocated historical museum.
The pressure to move comes at a time when the pantry's use is up and contributions are down due to the dismal economy. The pantry, which serves nearly 2,200 clients from at least 15 area communities, would probably have to vacate by the summer, according to a Franklin official.
"I don't understand displaying museum items versus feeding the less fortunate members of the community," said Linda Pouliot Whites, the pantry's executive director. She said she learned only recently that the food pantry would have to leave the basement of the former senior center building on West Central Street, which it has occupied since the early 1990s.
However, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said officials made it clear that they would be wanting the pantry to relocate eight years ago, when discussions about a new senior center and a relocated historical museum first emerged. He said officials are trying to work with the pantry to find a new location.
Read the full article about the Food Pantry looking for new space as reported in the Boston Globe here
"We don't need an award"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Eighth-graders Maddie Gordon and Jake Sargeant say they don't need an award to acknowledge their volunteer work with students with severe disabilities at Annie Sullivan Middle School.
Still, after watching the pair spend much of their free time volunteering, coordinating activities, and befriending special needs kids for the last 2 1/2 years, special needs teacher Marilee Gleason and Principal Beth Wittcoff were inspired to recognize them by nominating them for the statewide Make a Difference award program.
On Sunday, Gordon and Sargeant will be honored along with 58 of their peers from across the state for their volunteer work at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Dorchester at 1 p.m.
"It's unbelievable, the enthusiasm these kids have for befriending students they normally wouldn't cross paths with. These two are very invested," said Gleason, who also oversees the school's Best Buddies program.
Read the full article about the student volunteers for Best Buddies in the Milford Daily News here
The Green Reel: "Renewal"
The Green Reel: a series of films for sustainable living will be shown on Sunday evenings this winter.
What: "Renewal"
When: 7:00 PM on March 1, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
read more about the file "Renewal" here
Sponsors:
What: "Renewal"
When: 7:00 PM on March 1, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
Free and open to the public.
For more info: 508-695-2389
For more info: 508-695-2389
read more about the file "Renewal" here
Sponsors:
Agudas Achim
Crystal Spring Center
Simply Keep It Local
Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary
Citizens for a Sustainable Local Economy
Murray Unitarian Universalist Church
Green Committee of First Universalist Society of Franklin
New Dawn Earth Center
Oake Knoll Ayrshires
Franklin Area Climate Team
White Barn Farm
St Mark's Episcopal Church-Foxboro
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Greenbusters
Digging around the SustainLane web site initially found here, I find there is a series of posts on greenbusters. Recall the popular Discovery Channel show - Mythbusters; these are focused on green myths and you get the full scoop on each. For example:
Myth: It's best never to touch your thermostat. Read More »
Myth: Washing laundry in hot water is the only way to kill bacteria and get things really clean—just like my mom told me. Read More »
Myth: Dog poop is natural, so it’s okay to leave it behind. Read More »
Myth: It takes more energy to turn a light off and back on than it does to keep it running. Read More »
Check out all the Greenbusters here
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE A SCIENTIST TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009
Time: 7 P.M.
Location:
Join us to learn how we are all exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) and what we can do to break the cycle. BPA, a toxic chemical found in polycarbonate plastic, is widely used in consumer products including baby bottles, sippy cups, teethers, toys, pacifiers, and utensils. BPA is also in the epoxy resins used to
line cans of baby formula and other foods. It leaches out of the container into the stored food.
Local parents and The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow are offering this event as an opportunity to learn how to keep your loved ones safe from BPA!
Take Action and Join Us For this Event!
Please contact esaunders@cleanwater.org for more information.
Time: 7 P.M.
Location:
First Universalist Society in Franklin
262 Chestnut St.
Franklin, MA 02038
Join us to learn how we are all exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) and what we can do to break the cycle. BPA, a toxic chemical found in polycarbonate plastic, is widely used in consumer products including baby bottles, sippy cups, teethers, toys, pacifiers, and utensils. BPA is also in the epoxy resins used to
line cans of baby formula and other foods. It leaches out of the container into the stored food.
Local parents and The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow are offering this event as an opportunity to learn how to keep your loved ones safe from BPA!
Take Action and Join Us For this Event!
Please contact esaunders@cleanwater.org for more information.
Cape Wind: Record of Decision Request
The following is a Letter to the Editor submitted by Jim Liedell summarizing the Cape Wind decision points and requesting that the Record of Decision be released.
------------
Despite unemployment rising precipitously, U.S. wind industry jobs jumped to 85,000 in 2008, a 70% increase from 2007. Wind made up 42% of all added 2008 electricity capacity. We can soon start benefiting locally by Cape Wind joining this explosive growth, giving us health, economic, security and other benefits.
Major conclusions in the federal Minerals Management Services’ (MMS) mid-January very favorable Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on Cape Wind’s proposed project included:
With this favorable FEIS expanding on and confirming many previous evaluations, it is sure that we will significantly benefit from Cape Wind.
To support this project, write a brief letter to
and ask them to issue their Record Of Decision promptly.
Jim Liedell
Yarmouth Port
Note: Addressee for letter updated 2/26/09 per email request from Jim Liedell
------------
Despite unemployment rising precipitously, U.S. wind industry jobs jumped to 85,000 in 2008, a 70% increase from 2007. Wind made up 42% of all added 2008 electricity capacity. We can soon start benefiting locally by Cape Wind joining this explosive growth, giving us health, economic, security and other benefits.
Major conclusions in the federal Minerals Management Services’ (MMS) mid-January very favorable Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on Cape Wind’s proposed project included:
- of negative operation impacts, 3.2% are No Impact, 50% are Negligible, 38.9% are Minor, 6.3% are Moderate, and 1.6% (slightly rerouting the annual Figawi sailboat race) is Major;
- impact to tourism will be negligible and there will be no decrease in beach activity;
- floating wind turbine technology (recently pushed by the Alliance opposing Cape Wind) won’t be commercially available for 10 to 15 years;
- Cape Wind will lower our electricity prices;
- negligible to minor impact on fisheries;
- fossil-fueled plants’ global-warming and other harmful emissions will be reduced;
- no Cape Wind emissions to sea or air;
- world-wide data (including local MMA turbine) showed very few birds will be killed colliding with Cape Wind’s turbines
- no injuries caused to marine mammals;
- nine alternate locations were evaluated - they would all produce more costly (1 to 17.7 cents/kilowatt hour) electricity than Cape Wind; and
- three site-layout alternatives and four types of generation facilities were all found to be less desirable than Cape Wind’s proposal.
With this favorable FEIS expanding on and confirming many previous evaluations, it is sure that we will significantly benefit from Cape Wind.
To support this project, write a brief letter to
Kenneth SalazarSecretary, US Department of the Interior1849 C Street N.W.Washington, DC 20240
and ask them to issue their Record Of Decision promptly.
Jim Liedell
Yarmouth Port
Note: Addressee for letter updated 2/26/09 per email request from Jim Liedell
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