HEAC to recommend delayed effective date if stretch code passes
Last week, the Energy Advisory Committee learned that the town could choose to delay the effective date of the “stretch” energy code, if passed at the Nov. 9 Special Town Meeting. Chairman Brian Smith reported that the town could pick either January or July 2011 and still be eligible for state Green Community funding in the spring. After the start date, there is a six-month “concurrency” period when builders can choose to follow either the existing building code or the stretch code. The committee decided to recommend the July start date to the Board of Selectmen.
To qualify for the state funds, Harvard residents must vote to pass three measures. One is the stretch code. The other two measures would amend the Protective Bylaw and change the zoning map to allow a solar panel installation near the town transfer station.
Smith remarked that a lot of people felt rushed and that someone had asked him if they could vote now, but delay implementation. The committee discussed the possibility that delaying the start date might put people more at ease.
