Posted on 12/31/2009 10:58:33 PM PST by SmithL
PLEASURE POINT -- The state Coastal Commission encourages California's seaside communities to embrace clean energy -- with a caveat. It has to look good.
The regulatory agency has told a Santa Cruz County couple that a wind turbine planned for their new home in the Pleasure Point neighborhood is too tall. Suggesting it would add to the area's "visual clutter," the commission recommends the residents lower their proposed 35-foot-high, electricity-generating windmill, an idea the home's architect says is simply unworkable.
"You can also put photovoltaic cells in a garage, but it's not going to do much for you," said Cove Britton, designer of the oceanfront house on Pleasure Point Drive. "If we drop the turbines, the other homes would block the wind."
The issue of wind turbines in the coast's residential areas is a first, commission planners say. While increasingly common in rural areas, the technology is new to the urban setting. And while the commission, which is charged with managing shoreline development across the state, says it doesn't want to set a precedent of snubbing wind projects, it's legally bound to protect the coast's scenic charm.
"In general, we do want to support this type of alternative energy, especially with the commission more recently concerned about climate change," said commission planner Katie Morange. "But at the same time, it can't come at the expense of coastal resources. What if every house started putting these up? What Advertisement would that mean for the viewshed?"
The commission's recommendation that the couple, Barry and Susan Porter, lower their turbine below the roof line, if they still want it, is expected to be taken up by the commission's governing board next month. A final decision on the matter would be rendered then.
"If these turbines are turned down...you can't use the wind turbines
(Excerpt) Read more at santacruzsentinel.com ...
I’d say Let Them Use Candles, but that would increase their carbon footprint.
It would probably last a lot longer if they did that - wouldn't have all that wind blowing on it and putting a strain on the moving parts.
Hypocrisy, thy name is liberal.
I’ll bet they all live in the area and it’s a not in my backyard thing - like Ted Kennedy.
They want the homeowner to put the wind turbine below the roof line.
Duh, um, um.... don’t the Liberals claim to be smarter than everybody else?
NIMBY.
And in the Desert the Libs oppose solar energy.
Ultimately, they oppose the existence of humans, especially humans that are motivated to generate money.
Solar Shutdown: Feinstein to Block Energy Projects
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/12/22/solar-shutdown-feinstein-to-block-energy-projects/
I live in another state and in a County that is by far mostly Republican, and they have the same zoning restriction (wind turbines no higher than other building limits). ...not to mention all of the other anti-family, anti-American, NIMBY, anti-competition, anti-property-rights efforts of both political parties in nearly every locale. Neither political party is worth my vote or support—especially the part about support.
Let’s cut our personal spending and become more self-sufficient, until we can get better business (favored, politically correct constituents), political and academic leadership.
It reminds me of the family that had their own natural gas on their property. The government figured out a reason to forbid them from using it. Does this mean that government wants to keep private energy production out of the hands of the individual? Is government more concerned about lost tax revenue than the individual’s ability to be independent from the grid?
Underground wind turbines are next.
Viewshed? Is that some sort of observation tower???
The asinine, illogical words those people use... If she is worried about the view in Santa Clause county, how about all the unwashed, filthy dopers that hang out at UC Santa Cruz???
An alternative energy devices hobby coupled with a monstrosity of a house. How exasperating!
There has to be a committee somewhere that does nothing but come up with these words.
One for the “Leftists vs Leftists” collection.
The CalSoviet Politburo...
The architect needs to hire an engineer.
The lowered turbine can be turned by wind directed through an esthetically designed plenum that is visibly pleasing.
WHat do they need candles for? Mommy Gaia gave them sunshine; that should be good enough.
Right. After all, during darkness they should be huddled in caves, hiding from the sabre tooth tigers and all.
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