Let the Sun Shine...in Gloucester Township!

A Google search indicates that Gloucester Township Patch published the story, “Solar Energy Push Continues,” on April 15, 2011, documenting the municipal building solar project as well as a solicitation for bids on school building-related solar projects. At the time it was stated that energy credits were at about $630/ea. I believe that SRECs are now under $200/ea.

Later in the year, on September 9, 2011, “Somerdale Road Solar Project Moving Forward,” was published on the GT Patch, documenting the mayor’s interest in converting the old Owens-Corning facility to a solar farm.

We now have the Democrats putting forth a plan to install a solar farm on GEMS, an idea, BTW, that was rejected when it was first presented by a Republican.

Every time I turn around in Gloucester Township, it's “solar, solar, and more solar,” as if there was nothing else going on or nothing else that we needed to do in this township.

My point: What is the fascination with “solar” in this township? I have written a few times that I would love to see our mayor and/or council put forth a business plan that would encourage and bring commerce to Gloucester Township. Does such a thing exist? I’m asking.

I spent my high school years living in Blackwood and frequented "center city" Blackwood often. There was a bank, a movie theater, a drugstore with a soda fountain, an Italian sandwich shop, a barbershop, a new car dealer, a hobby shop, and numerous other establishments. "Center city" Blackwood is now best described as a good example of “suburban blight.” I can only think of one new business there and I don’t know if it will last. On the other hand, I can think of numerous establishments, some long-standing and with history, that have disappeared from "center city" Blackwood as well as other areas in the township such as Blackwood Clementon Road and the Chews Landing shopping center.

Again, it seems that our political leadership, especially our mayor, have a morbid fascination with solar energy projects with special relationship to the new start-up company, Blue Sky. So, what is going on in Gloucester Township? We seem to be able to suggest the erection of solar panels on every free square foot in the township but commerce in town is going to "hell in a hand basket."

I, for one, want to know and understand what's going on so you can bet I will be back as I find out more on this subject. Stay tuned...