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Owner of 12545 Ammersham Court seeks front-facing roof solar; board continues decision to March 9
Summary
David Zang asked the Town and Country Board to approve a conditional-use permit for street-facing roof solar at 12545 Ammersham Court, arguing panels raise property values and reduce grid load; neighbors spoke in support and written opposition was recorded. The board continued Bill 26-06 to March 9 for further consideration.
David Zang, owner of 12545 Ammersham Court, told the Town and Country Board of Aldermen on Feb. 23 that he was seeking a conditional-use permit to install a street-facing, roof-mounted solar system and defended the panels against neighborhood objections. "I've personally never heard of a professionally installed solar panel to devalue a house. In fact, it should raise prices," Zang said, adding that rooftop solar reduces local distribution load and can export power to nearby homes when production exceeds his household demand.
Zang described his corner lot as heavily lined with 40- to 50-foot trees that would screen the panels from most vantage points and said he could alter placement or replace the roof if the board preferred a less visible configuration. He said the proposed layout from his installer was the most efficient but that he could place panels symmetrically or on the east side of the roof so they would be unseen from the main street.
Two nearby residents spoke in favor. Plet Rushack, who said she walks past Zang’s house daily, called the project consistent with sustainable-design practices and said "I don't have a problem with it. We're happy to have a new owner in this house who's making it a home." Dr. Michael Rush, who identified himself as Rushack's husband and a neighbor, emphasized that mature trees largely block views of the roof and said he did not expect the panels to bother passersby.
The city clerk entered several written submissions into the record: one letter of support from Andrew Defield and three oppositions from trustee Joey Shutes, John Friie and Frank Murphy. The clerk also noted five photographs submitted by the applicant were received after 4 p.m. and will be included in the March 9 packet for board and public review.
Board members questioned whether the panels could be placed on a rear-facing roof — a configuration the board said is typically approved — and noted a prior approval at 946 Delvin. Several aldermen also expressed concern about precedent, saying that allowing similar front- or back-facing installations could change expectations for other Town and Country properties.
Rather than vote on the permit, the board continued Bill 26-06 to its March 9 meeting for further consideration and to allow the late photographs and additional information to be reviewed. No formal conditions or final action were recorded on Feb. 23.
