A few weeks ago, a public hearing notice was published regarding a special use request to allow for the installation of a ground-mounted solar array at the Summit. More specifically, this solar array would be located immediately south of the current athletic building [see map below of proposed location].
Rationale for Relocation
The solar panels themselves were previously mounted to the roof of the athletic building. They were installed in 2017 but have since created roof leak issues not previously identified until the floor of the building’s interior was recently changed from AstroTurf to basketball court flooring. In short, these panels cannot be mounted to this type of roof without creating potential leaks and damage. As a result, the management team at the Summit (technically employees of VIA Development) had the panels temporarily removed and stored so they could explore alternative locations. The panels were originally installed to reduce utility bills and minimize environmental impact, both goals that still remain.
Various options were explored with help from solar installation experts. Those options included moving the panels to roofs of other buildings on the campus, using different mounting techniques to return the panels to the previous rooftop location, and other ground areas within the Summit campus grounds. Unfortunately none of those options were feasible based on structural factors and solar energy generating ability (solar panels do not work in shady locations). Thus, the Summit’s two remaining options were to request a special use for the proposed ground location or simply get rid of the solar panels and not use them on the campus.
Resident Concerns
Though most Foster Park Neighborhood residents are generally supportive of cleaner energy sources, such as solar panels, various concerns were shared. Those concerns were ultimately shared with the BZA at the public hearing on Thursday, July 22nd. The BZA staff and members also shared their own concerns and developed recommended conditions to be met if the request was approved. See the staff report for more details.
Below are key concerns that were communicated, along with VIA Development and GRNE Solutions LLC responses and commitments.
Appropriateness to Surrounding Area | We shared our concerns about such a large solar panel array looking out of place in an otherwise residential and institutional area. Solar panels have an industrial appearance that could detract from the charm and historic character of our homes and neighborhoods. New and existing visual buffers were believed to alleviate at least some of this issue.
Similar Special Uses | We asked for examples of other similar special use requests in Fort Wayne, along with the outcomes of such requests. The BZA was not able to provide that level of detail for comparison.
Buffering | As was suggested in the BZA Staff Recommendation, we too spoke in strong support of buffering between the solar panel array and our neighborhood. More specifically, we wanted brick wall and evergreen tree buffering of similar scale and appearance to the existing buffering along Kimmel Drive. The BZA agreed that matching with existing visual buffers would be appropriate and amended the conditions to reflect that desire. Our association will be working directly with VIA Development to ensure the new buffering adheres to those sentiments. Additionally, per the conditions, all buffering is to be installed prior to the installation of solar panels.
Signage | We shared concerns about the potential for vandalism or improper use of the solar panels (for example, children climbing on them), or any possible risk of being so close to ground-mounted panels. The Summit has committed to install appropriate signage around the array to warn of possible hazards. They also indicated they would be regularly surveilling the area and adjusting monitoring protocols as needed to minimize potential damage to their investment.
Maintenance | VIA committed to properly maintaining the solar equipment and the grounds where they will be installed. The solar installation company have a comprehensive maintenance plan to keep the equipment in safe and good working order, thus alleviating potential health/safety concerns posed by panels that are broken or malfunctioning. Grounds maintenance crews will ensure that landscaping around the panels will be maintained properly and regularly.
Noise | We asked if any elements of the solar system will generate ambient noise while functioning. VIA and GRNE shared that this system does not generate any noise.
Approval with Conditions
Following much discussion at the public hearing and after getting commitments from VIA Development to address concerns raised, the BZA voted unanimously in favor or approval of the special use, including a set of conditions regarding buffering, spatial arrangements, etc. The neighborhood association will work closely with VIA Development to make sure the conditions of the approval are met and all new buffering meets or exceeds expectations.
Thanks to the many residents who shared their feedback regarding this matter. Please feel free to contact the association at fosterparkneighborhood@gmail.com with any questions or comments.
Historic Foster Park Neighborhood 