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Publication Date: Friday, August 19, 2005 No takers yet for Hangar One solar idea
No takers yet for Hangar One solar idea
(August 19, 2005) By Jon Wiener
The Navy's self-imposed deadline to issue a final decision on Hangar One's future is quickly approaching, and so far no angel investor has emerged to save the historic landmark.
NASA is hoping to change that through its campaign to promote the hangar as a potential demonstration site for solar power. The agency, which now owns the structure and hopes to make it the centerpiece of a research park, is soliciting companies who might replace the hangar's contaminated siding with solar panels for free, and in return get control over much of the electricity produced.
NASA has scheduled a site tour targeted at potential bidders for early September, and its public relations department has recently been pitching the idea.
The solar option would depend on the Navy removing the hangar's siding -- which contains PCBs and other toxic chemicals -- and cleaning the giant steel frame. It is among one of 13 options the Navy will discuss at an open house and alternatives workshop Thursday night, Aug. 18, starting at 5 p.m. outside the Moffett main gate.
Navy spokesperson Jill Votaw said the workshop would involve a discussion of each of the options the Navy has considered and how well it meets several criteria. Those criteria include feasibility, environmental effectiveness and budgetary constraints. Some in favor of preserving the hangar have estimated that demolishing it could cost close to $90 million.
"Uncle Sam doesn't have unlimited pockets," said Votaw.
The Navy has backed off an earlier pronouncement that it had eliminated all but two clean-up options -- dismantling of the siding and full demolition. After drawing a firestorm of public outcry with those plans, Navy officials told the Voice that they would consider the other options.
Navy officials are due to announce their preliminary recommendation Sept. 3, with a final decision due in early December.
E-mail Jon Wiener at jwiener@mv-voice.com
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