To the Editor:
After reading the recent article in the Greenfield Daily Reporter regarding the Hancock County Plan Commission meeting update for Amplify Hancock County several items came to my concern. During this meeting the Veridus Group presented an updated version of the plan for the new educational facility to be constructed near county roads 200W and 300N. The article notes the board acquired the 20 acres north of the planned facility for future expansion that could be used for additional parking, etc. Plan Commission Member Gary McDaniel praised the project and asked whether the design team was considering using forms of renewable energy for the facility. According to the article, Veridus Group Project Executive informed the Board that both geothermal and solar power was cost prohibitive and that the current building roof plan was too small of an area to install solar panels.
I’m inclined to agree with plan commission board member Gary McDaniel. The County is constructing a technical leaning center that should be aimed at providing cutting edge education. Yet, during planning, no thought was given to using renewable energy? After reviewing the footprint of the facility, lot acreage, etc. I find it hard to believe that at the very least Geothermal HVAC could not be implemented to serve this facility; plus Solar Power does not have to be limited to the building roof plan. Was our local utility, Nine Star, consulted about using innovative energy sources for this technical facility? Maintaining these types of resources could even be used as part of the curriculum.
Having worked over 40 years in the commercial / municipal construction industry (24 years with a design engineering firm) it’s been my experience that at some point in the design phase the Client/Owner needs to review the design intent and question if they have achieved their long term goal. It’s not unusual for the Client/Owner to question their earlier ideas and modify the planning to meet the criteria, and this is a good thing. Don’t be afraid to step out side the box and make the designer meet your expectations. While budget is always a concern this should be weighed with the end results. You don’t want to look back with regret later and say “I wish we would have done this or that” This is a huge step in educating our future trades people. If the residents of Hancock County are going to construct an advanced learning facility, let’s do it right.
Paul I. Harrington
Greenfield
