Letters

Response to “Solar Panel Bid Hits Snag in Sag Harbor Historic District” [27east.com, March 27]: I am writing to express my concerns regarding the request for a solar panel permit at 152 Division Street, a property located within our national historic district. I believe granting this permit not only would contravene established guidelines but also set a concerning precedent for future developments.

I would like to highlight three core points to consider:

1. Preservation of historical integrity: The Department of the Interior, as well as the village, outline specific regulations for properties within national historic districts, emphasizing that solar panels should not be installed in visible areas from the street to maintain the historical character of these sites. The proposed installation at 152 Division, as per their own renderings, would be clearly visible, thereby violating these guidelines and potentially detracting from the aesthetic and historical value of our community.

2. Process integrity and precedent setting: The property owner had previously applied for and received various permits for renovations without including plans for solar panels, which suggests an attempt to segment the approval process. This strategic segmentation prevents the board from evaluating the project in its entirety, which is essential for balanced and thoughtful decision-making. For instance, the board might have negotiated a trade-off, such as reducing the square footage of the addition in exchange for incorporating solar panels, if presented with the complete vision initially.

Approving this application in a segmented manner sets a precedent that will only encourage others to attempt to cherry-pick approvals and increase difficult compromises once construction is underway for the village (and architectural review) going forward.

3. Environmental and economic considerations: While the move toward renewable energy is commendable, it’s important to consider the efficiency and existing infrastructure investments within Sag Harbor.

The village has significant embedded costs in natural gas infrastructure, which remains a more efficient source of energy for all current needs. Moreover, the environmental impact of producing and disposing of solar panels can negate their green benefits in many contexts, making them less suitable for our historic district at this time.

In light of these considerations, I respectfully urge the village and its Architectural Review Board to deny the requested application at 152 Division Street. Preserving the historical integrity of Sag Harbor, ensuring a transparent and holistic approval process, and making environmentally sound and economically prudent decisions are paramount to maintaining the character and sustainability of the village.

Jeff Ziglar

Sagaponack