HLPC approves 50 kW rooftop solar at Rondout Neighborhood Center, issues negative environmental declaration

The Historic Landmark Preservation Commission on April 3 granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for a 50 kilowatt rooftop solar installation at the Rondout Neighborhood Center, 103 Broadway, and issued a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

The applicant, represented by David Barnabail of a solar contractor, described a ballasted, non‑penetrating IronRidge BX racking system with panels set at roughly a 10‑degree angle and a maximum profile of about 12–16 inches above the roof. The arrays will be set back from roof edges behind parapets, and the electrical conduit and a lockable outdoor disconnect will be routed to the rear utility entrance where visibility is minimal. A structural engineer provided a roof assessment demonstrating capacity for the additional load.

HLPC members asked about conduit visibility and the location of the outdoor disconnect requested by the utility (Central Hudson). The applicant said the conduit would be approximately 1‑inch diameter and the disconnect an 8x12 box, placed near a rear utility door and largely screened by a sloped drainage area and vegetation. Commissioners concluded the rooftop system would have limited public visibility, is removable, and would not permanently alter character‑defining features if installed as described.

The commission declared the project a Type II or unlisted action as appropriate and adopted a negative declaration on environmental significance, then voted to grant the Certificate of Appropriateness with standard conditions: one‑year validity, building permit requirement, and review for any material change.