Aliya Schneider is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Hudson Tourism Board has been presented with a trial offer from a nonprofit producer of solar-powered glass pods that provide warm outdoor seating. The solar-powered enclosures called Privé Pods, are produced by SolarFi in three different sizes that can accommodate from 2 to 10 people. They are transparent, with solar panels on the roof, and made entirely of recycled materials. The proposal made by SolarFi spokeswoman Anna Lippincott included a one-month trial. Hudson would receive five mid-size 6-foot by 8-foot pods to use for a month at the cost of $11,000. City officials would decide what the pods are used for. Tourism Board member Chris McManus encouraged the company to bring a more detailed plan to the board. And board member Tamar Adler suggested the they hold a special meeting to address the plan. Columbia Economic Development Corporation President and CEO F. Michael Tucker shared concern over the cost of the pods and said he does not see them working out for individual restaurants, but does not want to completely turn down the idea. Common Council President Thomas DePietro said the city will consider ideas to help local businesses. Mayor Kamal Johnson, who was not present at the board meeting, said the idea is worth looking into. Note: DePietro and Johnson are WGXC-FM volunteer on-air programmers. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.