Special Town Meeting to include Stretch Energy Code vote

Date: 8/23/2010

Aug.23, 2010

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW -- The issue of Stretch Energy is back.

The Stretch Energy Code and related zoning by-laws that were voted down by town residents at the Annual Town Meeting are again slated to be voted on, this time at the Sept. 27 Special Town Meeting.

"The first time this was presented, [opponents] used a parliamentary procedure and challenged the quorum, so we had to schedule an additional meeting to discuss the issue and that's why I believe it did not pass the first time," Selectman and Green Committee Chair James Driscoll said. "On a level playing field, I believe people will find it's the right thing to do."

The Stretch Energy Code is an optional building code designed to improve energy efficiency in Massachusetts communities.

One of many changes the code would require is the used of 2-by-6-foot boards instead of 2-by-4-foot boards in wall construction to make insulation areas deeper so buildings can have a higher rate of insulation.

In addition to the code, three additional by-laws must be passed for the town to qualify as a green community.

The first involves as-of-right siting of renewable energy generating facilities, meaning the town would not be able to prohibit the development of these facilities as long as they comply with zoning restrictions. Wind, tidal and biomass fuels would not be allowed or included in the by-law.

The second would require the town to present a plan to the state on how to establish an energy use baseline that would save 20 percent on energy.

The third by-law would require the town to purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles for town use, excluding police, fire and Department of Public Works vehicles.

Expedited permitting is also required, but the town already meets that standard, according to Planning Board Director Robyn MacDonald.

In becoming a green community by the state's standards, the town would be eligible for state grants. According to Driscoll, while the use of the money would have to follow certain guidelines, those guidelines are "broad and general" and that the money could be used for a multitude of energy projects within the town.

Driscoll said the town has already missed out on a large amount of grant funding because the code was not approved at the last town meeting. He added that future state-wide initiatives will require these measures and the committee is simply trying to keep the town "ahead of the curve."

"Belchertown got $185,000 because they passed this before us," Driscoll said. "This is stuff that is going to have to happen. But this is an opportunity for the town to make some money in the process."

One of the major concerns for MacDonald is the lack of initiative by the Green Committee to lay out the facts for town residents.

"There is not enough education. People have a lots and lots of questions," MacDonald said. "There haven't been any educational seminars since the last town meeting."

Driscoll admitted that the Green Committee did not do a good enough job in educating the public on what Stretch Energy means.

"We had them before, but we have several public forums scheduled and we have presentations available on our website," Driscoll said. "There are a lot of grey areas and a lot of questions and people will be able to hear answers to those questions at the town meeting."

At the center of the confusion are conflicting reports of what the new code and by-laws will mean in cost for those looking to build new homes in the town. The two viewpoints on the issue are, "night and day," according to MacDonald.

While proponents say the added cost of making a home more energy efficient standards of Stretch Energy Code will not be significant, contractors and developers have a very different take.

"It's a heated subject for developers. The major complaint is that it will cost the homeowner more money. Developers are not going to absorb the added cost, so they're going to pass it on to the homeowner," MacDonald said. "The developers say it's a huge cost increase."

The code also applies to new commercial buildings, which could prompt some businesses to build elsewhere to save money, according to MacDonald.

The increase could affect the entire building industry because the code not only applies to new structures, but also to additions to old structures.

"Because they can't sell their houses, a lot of homeowners are adding on to their existing homes," MacDonald said. "People will be adding on to save money, yet the new construction will have additional cost."

Driscoll said he has been shocked by the amount of resistance the Stretch Energy Code has faced.

"Our town is unique in the fact that it's the only town that met this with opposition," Driscoll said. "I think developers in most other towns saw the light and passed it because it really is a no-brainer."