Zoning Board Orders Turbine Shut Down In Falmouth

The Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals has temporarily shut down one of the town's twin wind turbines after six years of legal battles with neighbors.

The Cape Cod Times reports the board voted 4-1 Thursday to issue a cease-and-desist order on the turbine. But it's unclear when the town would shut off the turbine.

The Massachusetts Court of Appeals ruled in June that it had been built without proper zoning approval.

The turbine was already operating on a reduced schedule under a November 2013 order from Barnstable Superior Court.

At Thursday's hearing, neighbors shared their stories of ill health effects and diminished quality of life they say they've suffered since the 397-foot turbines were installed in 2009.

Town officials weren't immediately available for comment after the meeting.