The majority of people responding to this week’s online poll oppose a solar facility being built on agricultural land on the outskirts of Petaluma at Frates and Adobe roads. About 50 percent approved of the idea, while 43 percent opposed it. About 7 percent weren’t sure.
Here are some of the comments.
——
“Based on what I have read, there are issues regarding EMF emissions when converting from AC to DC in solar energy collection — these EMF questions are similar to health issues raised around all the Smart (dumb) Meter installations by PG&E. A substantial amount of attention should be brought to this issue befor any action is taken for solar facilities, especially of this magnitude in a pristine environment, near livestock, water, wildlife and people. Not to mention the ‘permanent’ transformation of land and its potential impact.”
——
“I don’t see why not. I would personally rather have a solar farm there than another ugly shopping center we really don’t need or another housing development (which we don’t have the water for anyways). If people are worried about the aesthetics of it, then have the solar farm plant a tall growing hedge around it to ‘green’ it up so to speak.”
——
“Just one word: Ugly.”
——
“Never!”
——
“The solar facility will feed Petaluma; it’s about time we got green energy here.”
——
Would rather it stayed ranch land. They could build in business park, no?”
——

“Better than houses or a shopping center. This will at least serve a good purpose if done correctly and for the correct use.”
——
“If the land is private property and zoning codes permit it, then it’s none of my business what’s done on it and it doesn’t matter what I think about it. Do I hear an amen brothers and sisters?”
——
“It is a good use for that parcel. The argument that it will be unsightly should be countered with a positive message about earth friendly renewable energy goals in this county.”
——
“Keep ranch land as open space. Solar is for rooftops.”
——
“This would be such a huge eyesore on our beautiful farm land, meadows and hills. Also, it would disturb the fragile ecosystems of this area’s wild life. Bad idea on many levels.”
——
“Ugly — we don’t need to fill in every inch of space in Sonoma County. Keep the open space open and beautiful.”
——
“Duh. private property rights?”
——