I’ve got to give a shout out to my good friend Martin Lamonica, an Arlington resident and star reporter covering the intersection of the environment and technology for CNET (now part of CBS). Martin’s an authority on things green and he and his lovely wife (and fellow journo) Elizabeth have done a substantial amount of work to reduce their carbon footprint — rainwater capture for the garden, beefed up insulation and solar, among other things.
Recently, CNET sent a film crew out to get his take on the big question of the day: should I install solar panels on my roof? Martin gives an excellent run down of the pros and cons in this short Web video. Check it out.
I suspect as the ROI on solar and green solutions improves more and more people will embrace them. I think the Town needs to address some of these solutions and put restrictions in place. Solar Panels on a roof seems reasonable but I would advise you to drive down Washington Street and see the solar water heater parked in the front yard of a residence there. It is unfair to neighbors that something like that would be allowed and many will view it as unsightly. I am not against harnessing the sun and wind but there are issues that need to be addressed. An example in addition to the unsightly water heater is windfarms and the noise pollution they create. Technology will in time address these issues but for now we need some bylaws to protect the character of Belmont neighborhoods.
PJ, would you judge that hot water heater to be more or less attractive than a car? Is it any different from a fence of the same size? Or to put it another way, there's no arguing taste, and I'm wary of legislating it.
David,
That's my point… we regulate fences and cars so why not water heaters that occupy yards.
Anybody know what the music is pre-fireworks Friday at the Football Field?
PJ
David,
That's my point… we regulate fences and cars so why not water heaters that occupy yards.
Anybody know what the music is pre-fireworks Friday at the Football Field?
PJ