The recent front-page article about Robert Levin using solar power at the distribution center in Smithton makes him sound like a great environmentalist (“Levin installs 1-megawatt solar array atop Smithton distribution facility,” Nov. 10, TribLIVE).
But let’s look at what it really is: The Smithton complex was built on flat farm land, unlike when Elliott in Jeannette expanded on land that previously was used for industry. The unnecessary destruction of untouched nature. The Smithton complex places heavy traffic on back country roads not designed for it, where employees speed going to and from work. Besides the danger to children, the noise on the once-quiet roads prevents people from keeping their doors and windows open during the summer months.
The Levin facility has so many lights at night that no longer can the stars be seen in a country setting. Light pollution fills the night sky.
Levin should keep his work where industry is, not destroy what was once a beautiful country setting, or at least admit money is more important than nature.
Pat Michaels
Salem