Letter to the editor: Support sustainability over aesthetics

Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.

I am writing in response to the article “Streetsboro’s solar moratorium still on hold” published on July 24. While I do not reside in Streetsboro, I am a public school teacher in Portage County, and my parents live in a township within the county. They are currently navigating challenges with their HOA to install solar panels on their roof. The HOA’s resistance, based on aesthetic and curbside appeal concerns, mirrors the apprehensions expressed by some in Streetsboro.

We live in a time when we must prioritize decisions that contribute to a sustainable future. This includes reassessing and often letting go of suburban values such as maintaining manicured lawns devoid of native plants or those beneficial to pollinators. The responsibility of fostering a sustainable future can no longer rest solely on those in power at higher levels. Each of us must leverage our sphere of influence to enact positive change.

In our schools, workplaces, homes, businesses, and towns, we must constantly question what can be done to better treat our planet. Suburban aesthetic ideals that disregard environmental and natural considerations are outdated and detrimental. I urge all leaders across the county and every community member to consistently ask, “How can we do better for our future and for nature?”

Regarding the issue of solar panels, instead of imposing an outright ban, I advocate for the establishment of specific design and installation requirements and parameters. However, even in doing so, I urge leaders and the community to prioritize sustainability over aesthetic appeal. This approach will support the critical transition to sustainable energy solutions.

— Max Swartout