Pre-Filed Testimony and Exhibits of David Raphael - Vermont Public ...

Aesthetic Assessment of the Proposed Beaver Wood Biomass Facility
4. Orderly Development and Public Investments
and the parking lot (which is oriented away from the project site), and it can be
concluded that the occasional use of this table will not be directly affected or
undermined by the view of the project. Most of the activity in the Center is indoors,
with exhibits, restrooms and vending machines, and the Center itself was not sited
- with any particular view in focus or scenic lands as a feature
it
was not sited for a
scenic vantage point, rather sited in this location because it is at the state line.
Based on several visits, it is clear that most people who use the Center do so for
primarily two reasons: 1) for a rest stop, and 2) to obtain information about
attractions and destinations within the state. The construction of the project will
impact visual qualities, but the setting is not one of high or unique scenic values to
begin with, and includes other infrastructural elements which are readily visible
from the Welcome Center, such as the entire highway corridor, the rail line in an
overpass, a nearby cell tower, a dumpster for the Center, and mixed commercial and
industrial type uses adjacent to it. As the public is not typically attracted to this site
for enjoyment -
rather
for information and a travel break from driving -
it
can be
concluded that the project, as proposed, will not unnecessarily or unreasonably
endanger the public or quasi-public investment in this facility.
There is one nearby recreation site as listed in the Fair Haven Zoning Ordinance and
referred to as the “area at the former ‘South School’ on Academy Street.” Based on a
site visit it appears that this site gets little use, and is overgrown and does not include
any specific recreation or public facilities or even a designated parking area. While it
is possible that the 180 foot stack associated with the project and the occasional
plume From that stack may be visible from this site, it appears as though no other
component of the project will be visible due to intervening vegetation (as there is a
perimeter tree line around the property, landforms and development). The site is not
oriented towards any long distance views, and, as stated, does not appear to attract
large numbers of users. Taking all these factors into consideration, it can be
concluded that the public’s use and enjoyment of this site will not be materially
affected, nor will there be any safety or other direct impacts to this investment as a
result of the project, as proposed.
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