UPDATE: City votes down wind turbine
UPDATE: Deputy Mayor Andy Frank said that the city plans to address the issue of wind turbines on homes in the city in its comprehensive overhaul of the city's old zoning laws.
He said: "There is a lesson here, which is that we need to update our zoning code to allow, under certain conditions, renewable energy devises. Mayor will ask Planning to consider this as part of Transform Baltimore."
Baltimore's zoning officials decided last night that they could not approve a wind turbine proposed by a Federal Hill woman because the four-decade-old city zoning code just doesn't allow for it. The full story is here.
The effort by Marsha Vitow to be the first to install a wind turbine on her roof in the city spurred a lot of debate at City Hall. Officials seemed to really want to approve the turbine but felt hampered by the law. David Tanner, executive director of the zoning board, said the city will now have to pass legislation allowing turbines or include turbines as an exception in the overall zoning code, which is now being overhauled.
Mayor Dixon has pushed for a "cleaner, greener" Baltimore and could very well get a change done quickly. But how ever fast, it won't be fast enough for Ms. Vitow, who said this was the end of the line for her. Her contractor, who spent a lot of time and money on plans for the safe installation of the turbine, may feel differently. He may be ready when the next resident and the city are ready.
It's not clear who, if anyone, will step up. Patrice Davidson, a neighbor who opposed the turbine, said she thought it would happen in the not-so-distant future. She said she supports green energy and believes new, more appropriate technology will be developed and code will be corrected, and some people in the city will be able to invest in wind power. This unit, she feared, was too big and unsafe and unsightly.
The vertical access wind turbine had north-south panels that spin on a poll about 8 feet tall on a base. It would have been about 6 feet wide and 300 pounds. Green Solutions of Maryland, the contractor, said it would have been secure and it could have produced 20-40 percent of Ms. Vitow's power because she's close to the water, which sends a nice constant breeze.
Other cities have approved turbines, such as San Francisco and Boston. And there are some residential wind turbines on the Eastern Shore and Western Maryland. But among the more urban and suburban counties, Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties also continue to grapple with the same issue. We'll see who works it out first. In the meantime, Maryland and federal officials offer tax breaks for those who can get approval.
Photo courtesy of Green Solutions of Maryland
Comments
Heaven forbid Baltimore actually rule in favor of its residents...residents who actually might want to get off the BGE drug that they push to us. It's kind of funny that Shiela pushes for a lean and green city, yet, city hall uses a 40 year old code to justify not ruling in favor of residential wind turbines in the city. The fastest way to dig yourself out of a whole, is to stop digging...looks like city hall hasn't looked up just yet.
Posted by: Brian | August 5, 2009 11:33 AM
I thank you for that nicely written article regarding Ms. Vitow's attempt to bring about green change to not only too Federal Hill, but to all those other prospective neighborhoods out there who vie for the same cause.
This was a step forward for not simply Federal Hill, but for the Baltimore city, in it's entirety.
Posted by: Green Gal | August 5, 2009 11:56 AM
Its only 8 feet higher than the rooftop? And a nice metallic finish? About the same height as a roof top umbrella or gazebo. What was their concern, its not bullet proof?
Posted by: gordan gecko | August 5, 2009 2:32 PM
I am so disappointed with how this situation turned out. What a let down to residents who are trying to do the right thing.
Posted by: NotableM | August 5, 2009 5:12 PM
Keep your chin up Marsha! Unfortunately, at this point, you're ahead of your time... but hopefully not for long. Let's get it together Baltimore!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 5, 2009 10:53 PM
I'd rather look at that from my (non-existent) roof top deck than a tv antenna... or the 3 satellite dishes on the front of the house across from me. Rewrite the codes! Let's think FORWARD.
Posted by: Summer | August 6, 2009 9:24 AM
I agree with Jennifer. Keep your chin up Marsha, don't quit now. At least, you've got them thinking...which is what we pay them to do. I hope Sheila gets behind you on this project. Kudos to you for your forward thinking, and for the strength to deal with that small handful of selfish, "unprogressive" neighbors who are so worried about their view.
Posted by: Mary Gartland | August 6, 2009 11:52 AM
The additional problem of the size unit Ms. Vitow planned was that no one within 22 feet could also access wind power as well . If Ms.Vitow opted for a smaller urban designed wind turbine, her chances for zoning approval increase greatly, setting a precedent for the rest of us to follow. However, if the focus is just to be the biggest, that's the kind of thinking that's got us stuck where we are.
Posted by: Patrice C. Davidson | August 6, 2009 6:00 PM
I don't recall reading anywhere about the focus being on the "biggest," per P. Davidson. I believe emphasis was placed on paving the way for Baltimore's future. And she has indeed set a precedent for the rest of Federal Hill and Baltimore City to boot!
If there is a smaller design as P. Davidson has suggested, please do inform all of us of this. Don't keep this secret to yourself, for if there's a possibility that we can all use a product like this to lower our BGE bills and go greener at the same time, well.. I'm there!
And I firmly believe that Ms. Vitow's chances for having a turbine on her roof is still excellent. She's received tons of support not just from Baltimore City neighbors everywhere, but from all over the United States!!
Posted by: Lucie | August 7, 2009 4:46 PM
I believe the only one emphasizing the size, were there "unprogressive" neighbors mentioned in one of the earlier statements. Her chances have not diminished, but have opened and will continue to do so. Ms. Vitow has received lots of positive support/recognition, not only from her Baltimore City neighbors, but from folks across the United States. And if there is a smaller version of this turbine on the market, please don't keep the secret to yourself, do share. From the outpour of positive comments she's received, others would like something similiar done to their homes as well.
Posted by: Lucie | August 7, 2009 4:52 PM
There are 4' by 4' barrel type units that are self contained. They are very effective in accessing power in urban area, very discrete upon roof top decks,aesthetically, very safe for little fingers and very very accessible to all of us. Ms. Vitow has publicly dismissed these options stating she want this one or nothing.
Posted by: Patrice C. Davidson | August 8, 2009 12:07 PM
I would like to thank everyone for their kind support of this project. I am looking at this situation as a win because it has opened the door to many green possibilities. Criticism is easy, what we need now are solutions. The foundation of this project was to force Baltimore to start looking ahead towards a newer, brighter and progressive city of the future. Harnessing the Wind for alternative power is a god send to our shrinking natural resources. Again, thank you all very much for your support and kind words.
Posted by: Marsha | August 8, 2009 8:46 PM
Well on a positive note it looks as though they are looking at changing this law so that renewable energy can be used at home.
What an out of date law they currently have which restricts home owners from producing their own renewable energy from a wind turbine!
Posted by: Residential Wind Power | August 8, 2009 9:19 PM
The vertical axis wind turbine is low noisy and easy to install. It is a clean and slient green power. I think we should revise the code to allow more people to use the vertical wind turbines in city zone.
Posted by: wind turbine | August 17, 2009 2:09 AM