Planning board declines to support coordinated legal action on South Coast Wind; motion fails

The Middletown Planning Board considered whether to recommend that the Town Council pursue coordinated action with other municipalities opposing the South Coast Wind offshore development. The board discussed a memo from town counsel opposing the permits and recent litigation by the Town of Nantucket.

Board member Leon urged a symbolic statement and recommended that the council consider joining Nantucket or coordinating a joint legal challenge, arguing the turbines harm local viewsheds and could cause environmental and tourism impacts. Other members, including a number who serve on local preservation and environmental organizations, warned the topic sits primarily within the council’s policy and legal purview and that joining or urging legal action could carry costs and complicate the board’s role.

Member Steve and others described the issue as complex, citing climate change tradeoffs and potential benefits from renewable energy; they argued that technical hearings and a council‑level study would be more appropriate than a planning board directive. Counsel and staff clarified the board may send advisory correspondence to the council but that formal participation in litigation would carry potential costs and exceed normal planning board responsibilities.

A motion to recommend that the Town Council consider weighing in on Nantucket’s action and to state that the planning board does not agree with the continuation of the South Coast Wind development was moved and seconded. After discussion, the motion failed on a voice vote (Chair voted nay). The planning board did not adopt an official position recommending legal coordination with other towns.