Politics & Government

Grosse Pointe Woods Planning Commission Talks Solar Panels, Wind Power

Commission begins discussion on alternative energy sources such as solar panels and wind power--both of which may result in regulating ordinances.

The Planning Commission turned its attention to the future Tuesday when they began discussions on possible ordinances regulating solar panels and even wind power turbines within the city.

Commissioners were presented with a packet filled with ordinance language from surrounding communities --who currently has three residential homes utilizing solar power--illustrating the trend toward regulation of these new technologies.

"The challenge here is really how far to regulate," Commissioner Douglas Hamborsky said. "The appropriate direction is to have a reasonable balance of regulation. It's a great time to put these into place too."

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Concerns addressed by some of the Commissioners of such technology coming to the city ranged from aesthetics, height issues, and screening, to glare from solar panels, safety, and practicality of devices such as wind turbines, which in many cases would create noise and rise above the treeline. 

"My top concern is saftey," Commissioner John Vitale said. "I would like to see us encourage people to use these technologies, but not at the cost of saftey and neighborhood astetics."

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The commission will take up the matter once more at their November meeting after Building Official, Gene Tutag, puts together a rough outline of a possible ordinance.

"We have to look ahead," Commissioner Michael Fuller said. "And we want to make sure we don't exclude anyone from this technology."

Currently, there are no residences with alternative energy options such solar power panels or wind turbines within the Woods, and no applications or requests in the wings, Tutag said. 

Mention was also made of possible electric car charging stations--a matter the commissioners agreed would need to be taken up at a future date as well.


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