TO THE EDITOR:
Despite denial by Georgetown’s Planning Board, Mello Corporation continues pursuing its 500-ton transfer station, challenging that decision in court and proceeding with Conservation Commission hearings. At the 10/21 meeting, ConCom members voiced concerns about the project’s impact on our water, wetlands and natural resources. The applicant expressed willingness to do such and such even though they were not true solutions and would give the town greater oversight burden.
Commissioner Chane asked for 20-year projections on the environment. Applicant’s Rick Kirbey stated existing wetlands (healing undisturbed), would be “improved” by man-made restoration. Man-made restorations, noted a commissioner, have a 70% failure rate and require consistent monitoring — by an applicant whose current 50 ton site has a history of non-compliances. Applicant’s required wildlife study didn’t find “endangered/threatened” species, ignoring that over the last two decades, endangered listings have doubled. Many species of keystone frogs found make this development a long-term threat to their survival. Emma Driskill, who abuts the site, asked if she too could build on her wetlands and about plowed snow melting and salt entering shared vernal pools. Applicant claimed it would melt in the “opposite” direction and salt could be replaced with calcium chloride—omitting CaCl2 causes GI problems, respiratory and skin irritation.
As the meeting continued with incomplete information and pushback from Commissioners, one question grew louder. This enormous square peg does not fit in Georgetown. It requires unprecedented bylaws’ exemptions, puts a hazardous industry in wetlands, and impacts neighbors with diminished home values. Why did Mello choose Georgetown?
Urged by his attorney, Mello explained he had grown up in and loved the town. Dumping 1,000,000 pounds of trash per day on the town you “love”, doesn’t feel like love. Kathy Birmingham, an opponent, noted: “You don’t even live-in town.” Mello should buy and move onto Driskill’s property so he can be in the town he “loves,” in the backyard of his 1,000, 000 pounds of trash a day. Choosing Georgetown has zero benefit to Georgetown.
Theodora Capaldo West Street
