Any idea what this is? A light for Citi Bike? If it hasn’t happened already, expect the Duane Street landmark folks to chime in. —H.

It’s a solar panel, explained a rep for the bike program. Rather than using electricity from the grid, all of the stations rely on batteries are charged via solar poles (like this one) or a more traditional flat panels that face the sun (below). I wondered whether the Landmarks Preservation Commission weighed in on the design, for the poles are certainly conspicuous, but an LPC rep said that the commission has no jurisdiction over the design of the Citi Bike stations, only the placement within historic districts. LPC was consulted about the design, but the Public Design Commission had final approval.

Got a question? Email tribecacitizen@gmail.com.

Previous Nosy Neighbor posts:
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