WE'RE GOING SOLAR
Solar Project Hot News: The parking has returned to normal in the north large lot. We have shut off the parking in the temporary lot on North Street to get ready for the e-waste event on Saturday. |
Click here for Grand Opening announcement.
Click here to see example of final project.
Dear Y Member,
We are writing to let you know that, starting November 15th, we will close a portion of the Y’s north parking lot to begin a project that involves the construction and installation of solar panels for the generation of clean, lower-cost electricity for use by the Y.
We are aware that this may cause a significant inconvenience for you and create increased parking congestion for residents of the surrounding neighborhood. However, we hope that you will agree with us that the long-term benefits of the solar facilities far out-weigh the short-term disruption the installation process requires.
The first phase of the project will involve the removal of the trees in the parking lot. Solar panels will be installed on a structure that will cover the parking lot. Therefore, the trees need to be removed in order for the system to operate.
By converting to solar, we will reduce the Y’s cost of electricity by over $230,000 during the next 15 years. These savings will directly translate into more resources being available for funding programs serving our community. The broader community will also benefit from the reduction in the Y’s Carbon footprint, and other environmental benefits, as a direct result of using clean solar power versus purchasing electricity from PG&E. Over a 15-year period, this translates into a reduction of over 3,000,000 pounds of carbon in our air, as well as a reduction of 2,000 pounds of NOx (a leading cause of smog), 500 pounds of SO2 (a leading cause of acid rain) and 600 pounds of particulates (a leading cause of asthma).
The project is privately funded at no cost to the Y. Because we are a 501(c)3 organization and are tax exempt, the private investors will receive the federal tax benefits which makes it attractive to build this solar project for the Y.
We expect that the construction period will last until late December, at which point the parking lot will be fully reopened with new carports that will provide the additional benefits of protection from the sun and rain.
We will do everything we can to make the process as minimally disruptive as possible and provide ongoing communication as to the progress of the project. However, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
David K. Brown Jr.
President/CEO
The YMCA is a human services organization that receives no government funding; it relies on membership fees, program fees, and your generous donations to operate. Policies are made by a volunteer board of directors comprised of members of the community, and our facility is staffed by a trained, dedicated group of employees. Our goal is for our fees to be affordable to all. Those unable to pay can participate at a reduced level upon qualification. Our doors are open to all; we do not discriminate.
Sonoma County Family YMCA - 1111 College Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 545-9622
501c3 not-for-profit charitable organization.
Financial assistance is offered on a sliding scale providing access to those unable to pay.
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