Brockton has spent nearly $845,000 fighting a natural gas-fired power plant proposed for one of its poorest south-side neighborhoods, a figure that climbs approximately $40,000 a month, according to the city solicitor’s office.
But despite criticism that funds in the financially struggling city could and should be spent more wisely — and that a power plant would bring jobs and revenue — elected officials who oppose the 350-megawatt facility backed by Advanced Power AG and Siemens Corp. say they will continue to do what it takes to protect public health and safety, and send developers packing.
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“The problem is the air quality in the area is already close to maximum levels,” Monahan said. The fact that Advanced Power AG/Siemens refuses to monitor air quality should be a warning that they're aware of the health hazards that will be added with the power plant. Would the executives of this operation be willing to move to the south side of Brockton? Probably not. Do they have one of these plants in their backyards? Probably not. Do they care about the citizens of Brockton? Probably not. Stewart is right, we should have the right to decide if we want this type of development, without our decision causing financial hemorrhage. Doesn't "NO" mean "NO" anymore? When will they get the hint and finally LEAVE us in peace? And Todd Petti is a flip-flopper. Just before the last election, he changed his mind and said he was against the plant...now he is again for it. He does NOT represent the citizens who live near the proposed site. This is a case of big corporations taking advantage of poor municipalities with under-represented populations, for sure.