The mayor noted that this meeting has been the first opportunity for locals to participate in a federal government hearing right here in Ocean City. And that message drew enthusiastic applause from the audience of more than 200. 

 Image Title: OC Offshore wind meeting- audience  

Meehan mentioned his history of raising concerns and objections to the offshore wind project over the years since planning began in 2010.

He mentioned how the city officials were urging a location at least 26 miles off of the shoreline, but revised plans at issue are now calling for as close as 10 miles.

Several years ago the wind turbine plans called for smaller 6 Mw turbines about 450 Ft. height. Now the plans show 18 Mw turbines with heights ranging from of 940 ft to possibly 1065 ft.

The double impacts of such huge heights, along with closeness to shore raises the threats against tourism. Indeed, disruption of views over the pristine Atlantic can be called “industrialization” ! That’s the wording mentioned by Congressman Andy Harris.

Thus the town’s tourism would be hard hit, as the now pristine view of the sunrise over the Atlantic would become, in Meehan’s words “a backdrop from Star Wars"!

The mayor continued to elaborate how the losses of tourism would decimate the local economy, affecting a variety of interests. The finances of about 26,000 property owners, residents and businesses would be suffering. For example condo owners, hotels, restaurants, commercial and sports fishing, crabbing and amusement interests. Millions of dollars now paid to the state and local governments would be evaporating.

And these concerns expressed to federal agencies have continued to fall on deaf ears. The questions far outweigh the answers. Our future is at stake.

Beginning at the 5:20 video marker, Meehan vows to continue the fight, and to sue the feds if the current plans are approved. And his words “we will not back down” drew loud applause and shouts of YEAH. Appears these remarks were enthusiastically endorsed by the audience, including a standing ovation, as Meehan was finishing.

Here's the video