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Town Meeting OKs Green Energy Plan

Scott MacKeen
Staff Writer
9/23/10
Passage by Special Town Meeting of two articles related to clean energy could make the town eligible for state grants through the Green Communities Program.

The program, which Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law in July 2008, sets benchmarks for municipalities to become a “green community,” through which grants can be gained for clean-energy purchases.

During an initial round of grant giving in July, the state awarded more than $8 million to 35 “green” cities and towns. Amounts ranged from $134,000 in Lenox to $988,000 in Springfield.

During a one-evening session Sept. 20, Town Meeting approved the two articles related to clean energy after some debate.

The first article adopts the new state building “stretch” code, which sets additional requirements for new residential and commercial construction, as well as renovations to existing structures. Under the code, new construction must meet with federal Energy Star guidelines by utilizing energy-efficient materials such as windows and insulation. In addition, it requires that new homes receive clearance by a licensed Home Energy Rating System inspector.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “A home energy rating involves an analysis of a home’s construction plans and onsite inspections. Based on the home’s plans, the home energy rater uses an energy-efficiency software package to perform an energy analysis of the home’s design.”

A special rating system is used to determine whether the home meets the benchmark.

The first article adopts the new state building “stretch” code, which sets additional requirements for new residential and commercial construction, as well as renovations to existing structures. Under the code, new construction must meet with federal Energy Star guidelines by utilizing energy-efficient materials such as windows and insulation. In addition, it requires that new homes receive clearance by a licensed Home Energy Rating System inspector.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “A home energy rating involves an analysis of a home’s construction plans and onsite inspections. Based on the home’s plans, the home energy rater uses an energy-efficiency software package to perform an energy analysis of the home’s design.”

A special rating system is used to determine whether the home meets the benchmark.

Already, 46 communities in the state have adopted the stretch code, which is one of five required measures to gain “green community” status, said Henry MacLean, chair of the town’s Alternate Energy Committee. The other four, already met by the town, are the implementation of as-of-right zoning (see below), the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles, the reduction of municipal energy use by 20 percent over five years, and the existence of at least 50,000 square feet of building space zoned for green businesses.

A new round of grant giving is planned to kick off in November, according to MacLean.

Town officials have pushed the measure, but some were philosophically opposed to mandating green technology.

“Isn’t that a decision individual families should make?” said Precinct 11 Town Meeting member Jay Lowney, adding that mandating the stretch code would be “an intrusion into people’s personal lives.”

Although he said everyone should strive to be more energy-efficient, Town Meeting member John Hajjar also disagreed with mandating the concept. “This is an assault on our personal liberties. We don’t need any more government interfering in our lives,” he said.

There is also fear that the mandate brings hidden costs that would set a higher financial burden for those looking to build or renovate a home.

Caitriona Cooke, of Westborough-based Conservation Services Group, outlined case studies indicating that energy-efficient construction can be a benefit in the long run.

“It can actually make your home cash positive from year one,” said Cooke, who acts as a consultant to the Alternate Energy Committee.

Precinct 9 Town Meeting member Gene Irwin, however, was not convinced.

“There’s only been eight case studies in Massachusetts,” Irwin said, adding that the Home Builders Association of Massachusetts has come out against the stretch code because it could create added costs.

Others said they were surprised that anyone would oppose encouraging clean energy. Precinct 6 Town Meeting member Bill White said he sees the concept as a “slam dunk.”

Town Meeting member Geoffrey Wilkinson also supported adoption of the stretch code, feeling it was the town’s chance to be “early adopters of a change in the building code that apparently is coming at us anyway.”

Town Moderator Brian Walsh initially ruled that the article failed to pass on a voice vote. Town Meeting members then called for a standing vote and the article passed, 99 to 68.

Town Meeting took a separate step toward green community status by implementing an as-of-right zoning designation on the location where a wind turbine is planned for construction. Though largely the same as previous zoning passed for the site, the designation shifts permitting duties for the turbine away from the Planning Board and onto Selectmen.

The measure is meant to expedite the process for clean-energy projects.

Town Meeting passed two other articles without debate. One sets a 20-foot building height restriction for accessory structures that fall within 30 feet of a rear lot line in a residential zone. The other authorizes the town to file a home rule petition for a liquor license for Ichiro Sushi, the Japanese restaurant in East Milton Square. If the Legislature approves the petition, Selectmen would revisit the issue.

Prior to the votes on the four articles, U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch gave a summary of federal grants earmarked for the town, including $1.5 million for special education and $593,000 for structural repairs at Winter Valley, an independent living facility for seniors.

Lynch discussed the status of the U.S. economy and related measures Congress is considering. He said former President George W. Bush’s tax cuts will expire in January and if no action is taken, their expiration could result in tax hikes across the board.

He also expressed a desire to see the $1.2 trillion deficit brought down.