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I love this little town. Lived here for 34 years. Raised my children here and now my grandchildren are in the school. This is way too close to the school. Only .2 tenths of a mile away. We only have an all volunteer fire department with NO fire hydrants in town.
Deanna supported: Preserve Local Control: Restricting Overrides on Battery Energy Storage System BylawsI support the petition to restrict battery storage parks in small rural towns and sensitive watershed areas. While renewable energy is important, these facilities pose serious risks — including fire hazards, chemical leaks, and environmental damage. Small towns often lack the resources to properly assess, monitor, and respond to the complex challenges these facilities may bring. Clear and enforceable bylaws are necessary to ensure that decisions about land use reflect the interests of the people who live there — not just the profit-driven goals of outside developers.
Nicole supported: Preserve Local Control: Restricting Overrides on Battery Energy Storage System BylawsWe moved our family away from the big bustling towns that were from. We came here for a Serenity and peace of the small town environment. The safety of our children and my children's future children. Having the Battery storage in our town would not only disrupt our peace. It will cause harm to our wildlife and reptiles that are on the verge of Extinction. We don't want it here. The people don't want it. Keep our small town beautiful and free from the danger of having battery storage.
Emily supported: Preserve Local Control: Restricting Overrides on Battery Energy Storage System BylawsAt a town meeting, the citizens (and taxpayers) of Oakham voted unanimously to to prohibit grid scale battery storage facilities from town and amended the town bylaws as such. The state has now overridden home rule in order to force these giant facilities into small towns like ours. These are industrial facilities that belong in industrial areas and not in rural residential neighborhoods.
Vincent supported: Preserve Local Control: Restricting Overrides on Battery Energy Storage System BylawsWe must speak up before it’s too late.
Our rural communities are being overlooked in decisions that directly impact our safety, environment, and way of life. The placement of industrial-sized Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in residential and ecologically sensitive areas is being pushed forward without proper local input, transparency, or consideration for long-term consequences.
We’re not against clean energy—but we demand responsible planning that respects rural voices. Safety standards, emergency response readiness, environmental impact, and community character all matter.
Stand with us. Push for smarter siting, stronger regulations, and a seat at the table for rural towns. Our communities deserve better. We are done with these mandates!
Aaron supported: Preserve Local Control: Restricting Overrides on Battery Energy Storage System BylawsLarge scale lithium battery facilities are hazardous options for “cleaner” energy alternatives. Massachusetts needs to refrain from rushing to use this unsafe technology. The foreseeable risk to our air, water, land and overall environment is too great! Better options will be offered as technology evolves. The political and financial wrangling to push these facilities on innocent communities must stop.
Ellen supported: Preserve Local Control: Restricting Overrides on Battery Energy Storage System BylawsPeople who live in cities and larger towns, don't understand the complexities of rural towns. All the concerns shared so far are valid. I would add we get a lot more snow, and Winter weather. We have a small road crew. They plow all night,and do a good job, but in a severe storm, the narrow country roads could well be closed or hard to navigate. In case of a fire, getting equipment to the sight itself could be a challenge. So close to our one school is also a very big concern.
Marianne supported: Preserve Local Control: Restricting Overrides on Battery Energy Storage System BylawsMy favorite thing to do in Oakham is hiking with my family, baby and dog. I love living in a small town filled with nature and would hate to see a battery park that would take away from our safety.
Jaime supported: Preserve Local Control: Restricting Overrides on Battery Energy Storage System BylawsI still remember the morning my God brother called me to tell Shukeyina had been killed. I thought i was dreaming. I had to be the one to tell my sister and my nephew that their daughter and sister was no longer living. That's a feeling and I will never forget. It's going on 6 years and the person/persons responsible for this have yet to held accountable
You took a mother from 2 young children that has to grow up without their mother. Please help us get justice for Shukeyina her children her mother brother and the rest of our family
Antonio supported: Seeking Justice for Shukeyina Godfrey: Unsolved Case AwarenessDear Friends and Community,
I am writing to share the profound impact that the loss of my daughter, Shukeyina, has had on our family, especially on my son, Donald. Losing a loved one is never easy, but the pain of losing a sister has been particularly devastating for Donald.
Shukeyina was not just a sister to Donald; she was his confidant, his role model, and his best friend. They shared countless memories, laughter, and dreams. Her sudden departure has left a void in Donald's heart that words cannot fully express.
Donald has been struggling to cope with the immense grief and sorrow. The pain of losing Shukeyina has affected every aspect of his life. He finds it difficult to concentrate on his studies, and his once joyful demeanor has been replaced with a deep sense of sadness. The bond they shared was unique and irreplaceable, and her absence is felt every single day.
Shukeyina also left behind two beautiful children, Keon Jr. and Kylie, who miss their mother dearly. Their loss has added another layer of pain to our family, as we try to support them through this difficult time. As their grandmother, I cherished every moment I spent with them when Shukeyina was alive. Now, I rarely get to see them, and it feels as though they are being kept away from me. I fear that as the years go by, they will not remember the love and bond we shared.
As a mother, it breaks my heart to see my son in so much pain. I have tried to be there for him, to offer comfort and support, but I know that the journey of healing is a long and arduous one. Donald's grief is a testament to the love he had for his sister, and it is a reminder of how deeply connected they were.
I am reaching out to you, our friends and community, to ask for your support and understanding during this difficult time. Grief is a heavy burden to bear, and it is through the love and compassion of those around us that we find the strength to carry on. Please keep Donald, Keon Jr., and Kylie in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this painful journey.
Thank you for your kindness and support.
Sincerely, Kimberly Godfrey
Kimberly supported: Seeking Justice for Shukeyina Godfrey: Unsolved Case AwarenessYou’re not alone — a community of supporters is ready to back you.
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