Harris solar project in Hondo in disarray
Pam Harris’ letter in the March 10-16 issue of the Taos News “A solar array in Hondo” is misleading, confusing and unnecessary. “As a resident of Arroyo Hondo” she is concerned about more violent storms like the one last December. That said, she had an idea — why not build a solar array at the community center since “nothing was being done to improve either the building or the land,” and it “might save lives.” Twice, she questioned what it would take to build an array in Arroyo Hondo, specifically at the community center.
Harris knows the Community Association of Arroyo Hondo (CAAH) oversees the center, a former elementary school that the Taos Municipal Schools transferred to Taos County not long ago. The answer to both of her questions is to go to the CAAH Board of Directors and ask them directly, instead of going to the Favor Y Contra page in the Taos News. Since there was no proposal or outreach to CAAH by Harris, the Board will likewise go through the Taos News. Nevertheless, the true intent of her letter was noted and not well taken.
The CAAH has secured a muchawaited $90,000 appropriation from the state legislature for an improved septic and plumbing system that will facilitate a muchneeded kitchen and upgraded restrooms. It is a high-priority project that will require use of the backyard where other projects are also feasible. The School-toCounty transfer is nearing the end of a transitional phase and the Covid-19 pandemic has also created delays and modifications.
Solar makes sense for many reasons other than storms. It will likely become a reality for many residents as panel installations, private or cooperatively, become increasingly promising. A solar array at the community center is not a new idea, however, not for the community at large, but for the property itself. It’s a good place to showcase the benefits of solar on the land and in the building that will continue to require the county’s cooperation. Harris did not state in her letter if her house is solarized whereby she could demonstrate her concern for violent storms and power outages.
Harris was recently installed on the board of another community organization that oversees a tract of land specifically designated for recreational purposes. The land underwent contentious lawsuits that polarized the community with Harris on one side of the fry. As a result, an effective board dedicated to recreation and land improvement was ousted. There has been little action on that land, and hopefully, a solar array is not being planned there in order to outshine and overshadow its intended recreational use.
“As a resident of Arroyo Hondo,” Harris is welcome to take her concern to the CAAH.