DestiNY where the sun doesn't shine

Grist uncovers a new entirely green shopping mall development, DestiNY, built to be dependent on solar-power, and yet planned for the fairly unsunny region of Syracuse, NY. (I know because I grew up there).

While all of it sounds good and makes for great publicity, much like a Made in Hollywood couple a la Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, don't you wonder why these well-intentioned people won't just put their time in resources in something more meaningful. There's really no need for more malls in Syracuse - what it needs is some care, collaboration and nurturing in its downtowns. Montreal experiences nearly the same weather patterns and there are people outdoors for much of the year.

Also, when this structure is completely powered by sun, what happens when the region experiences one of its many long streches without sun? Why not just take all the government backing and invest in the downtown and making it more walkable and accessible? I guarantee that people will go downtown even when the sun doesn't shine.