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Commission approves two rear-yard solar installations after neighbors raise visibility concerns
Summary
The Springfield Commission approved rooftop/ accessory-structure solar installations at 65 Bellevue Avenue and 17 George Street following a Sunrun presentation and neighborhood comment about potential street visibility; commissioners required painted conduit and rear placement as presented.
The Springfield Commission voted May 7 to approve two residential solar installations at 65 Bellevue Avenue and 17 George Street after Sunrun representatives said the panels and equipment would be mounted on rear accessory structures and would be minimally visible from the street.
Bob Becker, representing Sunrun, told the commission the proposal includes 16 black-on-black panels and a single Franklin battery on the rear structure, and that shutoffs and any external conduit would be painted to match the building. "The panels will be on the backside of the house," Becker said in his presentation, noting fencing and vegetation will further screen the arrays.
Neighbors raised concerns about visibility. "I live at 70 Bellevue Avenue directly across from this house," Jacqueline Cleave said during public comment. "I'm very concerned it would be on the front of the house ... I don't have a good picture on the other side of that accessory unit." Cleave asked the commission for clearer photos to confirm the panels’ location and visibility from the street.
Commission members asked technical questions about shutoff location, conduit routing and roof condition; staff and the applicant clarified that shutoffs and the meter are on the rear wall and that conduit would be painted to match. Commissioners accepted the applicant’s explanation and moved to approve the work as presented, with the commission recording approval of the application.
Because the installations will be on the rear accessory structures and the conduit and shutoffs will be painted to blend with the building, the commission said no additional façade alterations were approved; any visible changes beyond the approved scheme will require return to the commission. The applicant may revise and return if materials change.
The commission’s approval follows the meeting’s public comment period; the application materials and the conditions of approval will be part of the project record if the owner modifies the installation.
