Three different options for the Sunset Substation Park project were released at the last community meeting. If you weren’t able to attend the meeting, organizers would still like your input. “Each scheme seeks to balance solar power generation with community park space and does so in distinct ways,” Matt Hutchins writes on the Sunset Substation blog.
The first option, above, is called “The Big Roof.” The rooftop consists of 131 solar panels with gaps in between to let in north light.
The second option, shown above, is called “The Pair.” The plans call for two rooftops consisting of 160 total solar panels, with a courtyard space in the middle.
“The Wedge” is the third option, shown above. This scheme has a stepped-up green roof with 114 solar panels jutting out from the top of the steps.
All three options include a multi-purpose room which can be used for community meetings, storage, art classes, etc. The options also include a storage area for emergencies. “We belief that one of that valuable opportunities to embrace in this project is that the solar power could be used in a crisis to run a generator, power cell phones, temporary medical clinic etc. It would act as local clearinghouse for information, and a drop point for supplies,” Hutchins writes.
The full write-ups on each of the options can be found here. Organizers are looking for your feedback which can be left on their blog. The next meeting will be April 20th at 6:30 p.m. Robert Drucker, one of the organizers, tells us that CAST Architecture will present a single design that combines the best of the three and addresses the community’s comments. “The next phase is the cost estimating and working with another consultant to study grant possibilities,” Drucker tells us, “though our preference has always been to convince City Light to keep the property.”