SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is calling for windmills throughout the city.
A task force established by the mayor has spent the last year coming up with 29 recommendations to harness wind power.
KCBS’ Bob Melrose Reports
Michael Pace, the general manager of the W Hotel was a part of Newsom’s Wind Power Task Force.
”It’s critical at this time that we do this, not just because of the marketing aspect only, but more importantly, because it’s the right thing to do,” said Pace, who will then be able to market the W as a green hotel.
Mayor Newsom said Tuesday that several landmarks and buildings could hold wind turbines in the near future.
"Wind is a rural or suburban phenomenon and not necessarily an urban phenomenon," said Newsom. "We believe wind needs to be part of the urban mix of renewables. Our goal is to have 50 megawatts of renewable energy being generated within the city and county of San Francisco over the next few decades.
Sheila Kolenc with the group San Francisco Beautiful said she's all for wind power in the city, as long as it doesn't affect birds and views.
"Also, we need to be concerned where these turbines are located for blocking views and also being in locations that may impede pedestrian access.
Mayor Newsom said he's going to try to streamline the permit process so he can the windmills up and running as soon as possible.
(kmi)