Imagine owning land that you intend to develop, but the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, also known as MassWildlife, tells you that you can’t because it has been designated as a “priority habitat” under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), a law that doesn’t include language for such a designation.
Category Archives: Green Real Estate
Pioneer Valley homeowners may benefit from joint venture of Honda and SolarCity® Reply
One wouldn’t think that there would be real estate related news in the automotive section of The New York Times, but I recently came across an item regarding a Honda pilot program with SolarCity.The program is simple. SolarCity will install inexpensive solar systems for the recharging of Honda’s and Acura’s hybrid and electric cars. Massachusetts is one of 14 states where the $65 million program will be available. More…
Pioneer Valley continues efforts for a greener future, making the region a better place to live Reply
The Pioneer Valley continues its pursuit of clean energy and energy efficiency by participating in a $500,000 pilot program through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources that will help participating communities identify strategies for implementing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy that meet the specific needs of several communities in the region. The continued effort affirms the fact the Pioneer Valley is a great place for the environmentally conscious home buyer to live. More…
Lower utility bills on the horizon for residents in participating Pioneer Valley towns. Reply
Many Pioneer Valley homeowners and renters will soon be able to spend less money on electricity through access to wholesale markets made possible by the Hampshire Council of Governments (HCOG), a regional consortium of towns that replaced the county government, through its energy supplier service, Hampshire Power. Hampshire Power has already saved $2.1 million for 100 towns in the five western Massachusetts counties; they are working to expand that service to residents. More…
Are LED light bulbs worth the extra money? Reply
Light Emitting Diode light bulbs, also known as LED, are becoming more and more popular, but do the energy savings make the high price tag worth it?
In addition to providing energy efficiency without the toxic substance found in compact fluorescent light bulbs, More…
Pioneer Valley gets greener with designation of Wendell and Whately as “Green Communities” Reply
The Pioneer Valley towns of Wendell and Whately were recently designated Green Communties under the Green Communities Act, joining numerous other towns in the region. This brings the total number of cities and towns in the commonwealth that have achieved the designation to 110. More…
State and local law conflict regarding the construction of solar arrays: A case study from Hatfield Reply
A recent conflict in Hatfield highlights a lack of consistency in the law at the state and local level regarding where a commercial solar array can be constructed, which is nothing more than a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing, and aggravated by a tinge of a “not in my back yard” sentiment among those who oppose the construction of a commercial solar array near their homes. More…
A “smart thermostat” that can save Pioneer Valley homeowners money Reply
As the mercury starts to drop with autumn upon us, many are starting to budget for increased energy costs. People have been saving on their energy bills by utilizing programmable thermostats for years, but there is another programmable thermostat that is easier to use and will likely save you more money.
Former Belchertown driving range to become site of commercial solar array. Reply
Once a driving range, the Belchertown Planning Board approved a plan to build a 1.5 megawatt commercial solar array here.
Western Mass communities adopt bylaws to regulate solar arrays Reply
Towns in western Massachusetts are beginning to adopt solar bylaws.
Western Mass Properties: Your Pioneer Valley real estate resource 