Solar arrays granted variances by Altoona Zoning Hearing Board

Zoning Board allows installation of ground-mounted panels at two sites

The Altoona Zoning Hearing Board recently granted variances to allow installation of ground-mounted solar panels on two vacant brownfield properties in a general industrial zone in South Altoona -- a 2.2-acre lot next to the south side of the Devorris Center for Business Development and a 3.5-acre lot several hundred feet farther south, behind 84 Lumber.

The electricity generated by the panels along Industrial Park Road would be used by nearby Blair Image Elements, a firm connected with the applicants for the variances, so the company can cut utility costs, comply with customer requests for sustainable energy and support sustainable energy initiatives promoted by government agencies, according to the project narratives.

The proposed projects deserve variances from the prohibition against ground-mounted solar arrays in general industrial zones because such zones are usually the proper venue for installations that can be considered "eyesores"; because even so, the properties are hidden from view outside nearby industrial ground; because the properties have been marketed for decades with no success; because existing utility easements would complicate other types of building; and because solar installations don't require much excavation, which can become a costly environmental issue for brownfield properties, according to South Altoona LLC, applicant for the smaller lot, and RADD Development Co., applicant for and owner of the bigger lot.

Because communications antennae are permitted in general industrial zones, ground-mounted solar panels should be permitted, too, based on aesthetics, because solar arrays are not nearly as prominent in the landscape, according to the project narrative.

The wires leading from the array will be overhead, not underground, according to Brian Bettwy, property specialist at Blair Companies Real Estate.

Runoff is not an issue because railwater will percolate into the ground between the panels, Bettwy said.

The lots are the sites for former railroad operations, according to Chris Michelone, an attorney for the applicants.

The city was not opposed to the granting of the variance, according to Community Development Director Eric Luchansky.

Altoona Blair County Development Corp. is selling the smaller lot to South Altoona LLC, according to the project narrative and ABCD CEO Steve McKnight.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.