Dear editor,
Novato plans to spend half-a-million dollars to accommodate a giant new gas station. Most residents will not benefit. Many will suffer from more air pollution and traffic. Why not invest in improvements that benefit everyone? Instead of supporting a billion-dollar company, why not improve downtown?
Here’s a simple idea: solar canopies provide independent power and create shelter. During blackouts they help businesses stay open. They create attractive outdoor seating areas and would offer a signature look for downtown.
The total cost for ten? About $450K. Less than road construction to benefit Costco.
Bonus: mobile infrastructure like this can be installed in about five minutes, and moved as needed. It’s a flexible, forward-looking investment for modern times — unlike a gas station.
When Novato chooses future-oriented investment, we signal that our prosperity doesn’t depend on fossil fuel. We demonstrate that we’re open for business in a 21st century way.
If Novato invests in a gas station, we might as well say “Welcome to the 19th century.”
The choice should be easy, right?
Kevin Morrison
Founder, Green Novato
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