If I had a dollar for every person who has called, emailed or stopped me on a village street in the past two weeks to express their outrage over the solar canopy erected in the Jobs Lane parking lot, I would be a very wealthy man.
From young to old, lifelong residents to newcomers, their overwhelming sentiment is one of confusion and deep disappointment. And questions. Lots of questions. “How did this happen?” “Who made that decision?” “Did the ARB approve this?” “Why didn’t we know?”
As co-chair of the village’s environmental committee, I applaud installation of renewable energy equipment — provided it is done thoughtfully and with respect for the character of the village. Both seem lacking here.
I also want to make it clear that our committee was never briefed or asked to opine on this installation. And it seems we were not alone: Apparently, neither the Planning Commission nor the Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation were asked to weigh in either, despite this being at the heart of their missions.
The lot is in the historic district, and in one of the most visible locations anywhere in Southampton: The new structure is prominently visible from Jobs, Pond and Windmill lanes, as well as Culver and Hill streets. Why wasn’t the ARB called to lend their expertise in visual impact and historic appropriateness?
We can — and must — do better. Year-round residents have already endured a fall and winter of unfinished bioswales, road/lane closures and hazardous sidewalk construction, with projects remaining unfinished for anywhere from several months to more than a year, with little information provided. Now, all residents will be subjected to a permanent structure in the Jobs Lane parking lot that seriously compromises the historic look and feel of that very sensitive location, with no notice or opportunity for input.
I announced my candidacy for village trustee last week because we need more independence on our Village Board. We can do a little better on many things, and a lot better on a few key issues; the Jobs Lane solar structure is a perfect example of the latter. As a trustee, I would ask tough questions and work to ensure public input on any similar project in the future.
Rob Coburn
Southampton Village
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