Charlotte Home Owners oppose Solar Park

A proposal to build Charlotte's first solar powered condominium tower has met strong resistance from Charlotte NC Real Estate neighbors who say the project is a poor fit for the area of South Charlotte Mecklenburg NC Real Estate south of South Park. The project, dubbed SolarPark, would be a 60 foot, pyramid- shaped midrise near Park and Sharon roads. It would extensively use solar panels to collect energy from the sun. That energy would be used, along with electricity from conventional sources, to operate appliances and heat the buildings air and water.

The building would consist of a dozen condo units, underground parking and possibly business and office space. Residential buildings in the South Park area generally must be taller than 40 feet without special permission from City Council. SolarPark supporters and developer David Thompson say such buildings are a necessary step toward energy conservation and independence. The use of solar energy to power buildings has been around for decades. Popularity has increased in recent years as more people look for ways to reduce energy costs and lessen their impact on the environment. Using solar power can reduce the Charlotte Homes winter heating costs by 80% and hot water costs by 60%, according to the North Carolina Solar Center at N.C. State University. Supporters say the Charlotte project could inspire other communities. A project like this one would be a jewel in the crown of Charlotte, electrician Robert Harvey told City Council members at a recent public hearing. About 500 residents, however, have signed a petition protesting the project, citing concerns with the buildings design, size and location. Neighbors say the building’s height and its glass and steel design starkly contrasts with their 20 foot tall brick homes. "I will have no privacy whatsoever, and the value my property will go down the drain," one homeowner told the council. I think it's a very good idea, but somewhere else. Not in this neighborhood. Park Quail neighborhood Coalition Chairman John Cashion said the project would create a traffic hazard. He said the coalition, which consists of a dozen nearby neighborhoods, believes the SolarPark residents and visitors would frequently have to make U-turns on Park Road just to get into the site. While the neighbors commend the concept of a solar building, Cashin said, there has been 100% complete and consistent opposition to this project. City planning staff members have indicated they might be one to support the building proposal if it eliminated the business and office uses. The city Council has the final say, however, and Pat McCrory said he is concerned the scale is way beyond the neighborhood. The second public hearing is scheduled for January 25 City Council chambers.