SUSTAINABLE
CONCORD COFFEE
ConcordCAN! hosted its first virtual Sustainable Coffee over zoom this past Tuesday, featuring biologist Sharon McGregor with a presentation entitled “Net Carbon Sink, not Net Zero, Will Get Us Out of Climate Crisis.
It was great to see people virtually after a long and stressful year, and we were pleased to have over 70 people in attendance. More virtual events are being planned, so stay tuned for announcements.The presentation was recorded and can be viewed or downloaded with this link. More virtual events are being planned, so stay tuned for announcements
Town of Concord, Zoning Board of Appeals
STOP
These Unsustainable
Development Projects Now!
A Virtual Public Meeting
Thursday, April 8, 7 PM
Two development proposals which ConcordCAN sees as grossly inconsistent with the Town of Concord’s sustainability and climate action commitments will be reviewed at this meeting. ConcordCAN believes that it is very important that the Board of Appeals says no to both of them; and this is the last chance for that to happen. We urge you to attend this meeting.
One of these projects is a subdivision plan for 1440 Main St. in West Concord. The other involves creating a new special recreation facility at the Country Club on Old Road to nine Acre Corner. Both plans, if supported by the ZBA, will result in the removal of very large quantities of excavated earth from the properties. We believe that these projects set a terrible example for future development.
Concord is to be applauded for creating a Long-Range Plan and a Climate Action and Resiliency Plan that strongly affirm the need for carbon reductions and preservation of the natural environment. The zoning bylaws of the Town have not yet caught up, however, with Concord’s commitments as expressed in those plans. Legal arguments can be made, however, that these projects are not even consistent with our antiquated zoning bylaws; and citizen input can make a difference. Please show up, if you can, for this meeting.
To inform yourself fully about what is at stake and why and how to oppose it, write to or call Scott Richardson, who knows all of the ramifications of the issue: scott@longwoodsoftware.com, 978-337-6957. The plans and supporting materials may also be reviewed online at: https://www.concordma.gov/1439/ZBA-Current-Meeting-Documents
To participate in the virtual public meeting, you may video conference into: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87557149429?pwd=TStvYVpleWc4SHZnUU9vWUx1NkNLUT09
To teleconference, please call 877-853-5257 or 888-475-4499
Meeting ID: 875 5714 9429 Password: 026483
You will need to register in advance of the meeting and will have limited opportunities to participate. Questions, however, can be asked. Scott Richardson is your best source of advice on managing this.
Important Services
of the
Concord Municipal
Light Plant
The Concord Municipal Light Plant is offering two services that Concord residents and businesses may find useful. Both are supported by CMLP and/or grant funds,and are offered at no cost.
The first of these is a heating/cooling coaching service through the Concord Clean Comfort Program. The program makes it easy for CMLP customers to explore and install heat pump technology, which provides both heating and cooling while cutting carbon emissions and improving indoor comfort. Coaches help home and business owners figure out if heat pumps are the right heating and cooling solution for them. If so, they can also help CMLP’s customers navigate the process of getting a heat pump installed. Meet the coaches and learn more at ConcordCleanComfort.org.
Also available is CMLP’s Electric Vehicle Support Service at no cost to CMLP’s customers through the Town’s Concord Drives Electric Program. CMLP’s EV Specialists are available to answer questions about electric car makes and models, savings on fuel, maintenance and carbon emissions, charging, incentives, etc. Contact the EV Specialist Team at 833-443-8363 or ev@concordma.gov.
This information was provided to ConcordCAN by the Town’s Energy Service Coordinator, Jan Aceti. Jan can be phoned at 978-3128-3151 (office) or 781-510-1215 (cell). Her email contact is jaceti@concordma.gov
Exciting New
Climate Bill for
Massachusetts
March 26 was a historic day for climate action in Massachusetts! On that day, Governor Charlie Baker signed a new climate bill known as the “Roadmap” bill into law. This is a major piece of climate legislation. It creates, according to Sarah Dooling, the Executive Director of MCAN, “the foundation for a bold and robust statewide climate policy.” This legislation is the result of strong and effective grassroots advocacy in communities across the state.
Among other things this legislation will codify a definition of environmental justice, seeking to reduce the unfair impact of climate change on underprivileged and minority segments of the population. It also strengthens statewide emissions reductions targets by calling for a 50% reduction by 2030 and a 75% reduction by 2040. The building and transportation sectors will be heavily involved. The Dept. of Energy Resources will be directed to develop a net zero stretch code that cities and towns will have the option to adopt by 2022.
Complete information about the Roadmap Bill can be found by clicking on this link.