Resident Expelled, Tensions High at Latest NSTAR Discussion

A picket sign of protest provided visual evidence of the anger residents of Wayland's Oak Hill and Meadowview Road neighborhoods continue to feel about NSTAR's clearing of a right-of-way under the utility's high-voltage wires.

And if the sign wasn't enough, the angry comments -- comments angry enough to get one resident expelled from the meeting -- certainly told the story.

“What you’ve allowed to happen here is reprehensible,” Allan Dines told selectmen, holding a sign featuring photos of the NSTAR cleared land and the word "Shame."

Board of Selectmen Chair John Bladon took issue with Dines' use of the word "reprehensible" to describe the Board of Selectmen's actions, and warned Dines to refrain from name-calling and using that word. When Dines continued to press the issue, Bladon told Dines to leave or be removed by police.

After Dines' exit, residents continued to question what could be done, particularly in regard to protecting the wetlands and wellhead affected by the right-of-way clearing.

"We have tried very hard as a board … to address the issue," Bladon said. "These rights-of-way were written and issued back in the 1940s and '50s. Unfortunately, they kind of are what they are as much as we dislike it. NSTAR has a right … to mow to the ground vegetation to protect their transmission lines. We’re struggling with what more we can do.”

Residents indicated they wanted the board's help ensuring all affected residents receive mitigation assistance from NSTAR, which the utility indicated it would offer on a "case-by-case" basis.

Town Administrator Fred Turkington said NSTAR indicated it would begin mitigation efforts after it completed the clearing, but he said that officials wanted to ensure that all residents were offered mitigation, not just the residents with the legal background to fight NSTAR.

"I think that everyone on the board agrees that what has happened over there is completely appalling," said selectman Steve Correia. "If we could strap ourselves to the trees over there and stop it – if it was legal to do that – we would have done that. We do have a responsibility to help people make sure they get the mitigation that was promised. We need to be able to provide some type of forum, some type of mechanism so that the regular guy can get the same type of mitigation as the lawyer.”

Turkington said the town can invite NSTAR back for a meeting specifically to discuss the mitigation plan it will offer to all affected residents.

Selectman Joe Nolan pointed out that proactive action going forward could be the best course. He suggested that perhaps an ordinance could be established that would prevent herbicide from being used in the right-of-way next year, as NSTAR has indicated could be in its plans.

“We have tried mightily … to mitigate what NSTAR has done," Bladon said. "We will keep on trying and we will do our best for the citizens of Wayland.”

Selectman Doug Leard asked that citizens let selectmen know when and if NSTAR approached them about a mitigation plan.