Community Based Solar and Windmill Initiative Aimed At Mitigating Impacts of Multi-Unit Duplexes
The City of Berkeley is taking steps to mitigate the impacts of the Resolution to End Exclusionary Zoning in Berkeley. Despite the fact the resolution is “the start of a conversation” about modifying city zoning laws, some residents are already in an uproar about the prospect of “up zoning” in their neighborhood. According to opponents of the resolution any changes to zoning laws will trigger a climate crisis. Specifically, opponents believe new construction will imperial their solar panels. To mitigate this impact the city will sponsor the Community Sun & Wind Farm.
In response to efforts to change Berkeley’s “soft apartheid” zoning laws, some residents have suggest multi-unit housing will “shade” their solar panels. At a recent City Council meeting to consider the resolution, aggrieved home owners decried what they believe to be the adverse environmental impacts. “My solar panels will be shaded, evacuation routes will be jammed, this resolution is an environmental crisis in the making.”
My solar panels will be shaded, evacuation routes will be jammed, this resolution is an environmental crisis in the making
Berkeley Homeowners Highlight the Adverse Impacts of Ending Exclusionary Zoning
Despite a paucity of evidence that structure shading impacts existing PV installations, a report actually cited the growth of trees as the major factor impacting residential solar production, the city is determined to “get out front” of the issue. The city’s primary response will be to develop a large solar and windmill instillation, called Community Sun & Wind Farm, on top of the 14 story Khrushchyovka tower slated for North Berkeley BART.
Any Berkeley resident that can demonstrate their solar production has been adversely impacted as a result of the up zoning will be entitled to a proportionate amount of electricity free of charge generated from the “Farm.” CM Droste endorsed the proposal with a statement, “my office is committed to a win-win outcome for all residents. The Farm is an opportunity to ensure fairness while ending exclusionary zoning.”
