Meeting cancellation rallies residents

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Local residents became frustrated when a public hearing about a proposed power plant in Greenfield was rescheduled for the second time.

A Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman was unexpectedly injured, which forced the cancellation of Tuesday night’s meeting.

But when no one from the city showed up, angry residents held their own hearing instead.

Dozens of concerned citizens filled the Greenfield Middle School cafeteria to have their own discussion about the $250 million 47-megawatt wood burning power plant.

Most of the residents at the informal meeting opposed the plant -- citing air, light and noise pollution.

“I'm worried about the air quality issues, as well as traffic,” Christine Pellerin said.

Environmental Attorney Margaret Sheehan said she's so against the plant she's taken on the case pro bono and will report her findings to the public.

But not everyone thought the plant was a bad idea.

“We need some growth. This would really spark growth in Greenfield. It's about time we had something like this,” Norm Levesque said.

The Zoning Board meeting has been rescheduled for June 10.