GREEN CORNER - Janice Kurkoski

On May 2nd at Town meeting, Warwick residents will vote on whether or
not to adopt the "stretch code" (article 19), an amendment to the
current MA building code for commercial and residential new
construction, as well as additions and some renovations.

Some folks feel this is just more government meddling in our lives. Even
more people just don't want to spend the extra money on air sealing and
insulation or better windows and doors, etc. Others have argued that
Warwick homes will cost more and then be at a competitive disadvantage
at the time of sale if neighboring towns do not adopt the code.

Well, yes, this is more 'red tape' in a way, but it is similar to
several years ago when it was realized that water down the drain doesn't
just go "away" - it affects all our neighbors and more. So Title 5 laws
were enacted governing septic systems and such.

How we heat and cool our homes does affect the greater world. We have
come to realize that the atmosphere is being used like a giant septic
tank.

Instead of energy dollars going up the chimney, the money could be spent
when a wall is open, when windows and doors are being replaced, etc. It
would be SO much easier and cheaper and effective to do it right the
first time rather than go back later to 'retrofit' the upgrades. Think
of it as a home improvement that actually pays back rather than becomes
out of fashion in 15 years! Many times I have heard people say: "if only
I knew then what I know now about my home I would have done things a lot
differently" or " I guessed I missed a good opportunity back when I did
that addition".

In our area, Athol, New Salem, New Salem, Shutesbury, Leverett, Gill,
Greenfield and Gardner have all adopted the stretch code, and other
towns are in the process as well, so the 'disadvantage' is disappearing.
A vote for the stretch code is a vote for the future.