Neighbors of the closed Amherst landfill have filed suit against the town over plans to site a passive solar array on the capped landfill.
They are right: The intended use does not comply with a state agreement limiting uses of the landfill to passive or active recreation. So, they have already won the battle.
Using a capped landfill for passive and active recreation isn't a bad idea. But using a capped landfill to save the town $25 million over the next 25 to 30 years - nearly $1 million a year, by capturing fuel in a quiet, clean and safe way - is brilliant.
Neighbors at one point objected to this project on the basis of traffic. Solar arrays don't attract traffic, except for the rare technician. They certainly don't generate as much traffic as a soccer field or baseball field on a sunny summer afternoon.
Neighbors have objected to this project on the basis of noise. Solar arrays aren't noisy. They are nearly silent. They aren't as loud as an umpire yelling "out."
Neighbors have objected to this project on the basis of health. A solar array doesn't pose any known health issues.
Neighbors have objected to this project on the basis of aesthetics.
A solar array may not be as pretty as a ball field. But it's certainly a lot prettier than an open landfill. This is an excellent use of an otherwise fairly useless parcel. It's green. It's quiet. It will save the town money.
Yes, the neighbors have won the battle. But it's shame they're wasting their own and the town's time and energy to fight the war.