now I am really confused…could this be read to suggest that the act of constructing needs to be fossil-fuel free? I sure hope not. ------ Sara Mattes
> On Mar 24, 2022, at 3:30 PM, Fred Hopengarten <[email protected]> > wrote: > > From a proponent prior email: The more precise link I meant to post is here: > https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ydZLj5NgIobTmnVK58E6dhssQ5JhoGKE2F-ad39HzAY/edit > > <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ydZLj5NgIobTmnVK58E6dhssQ5JhoGKE2F-ad39HzAY/edit> > > So I read the proposed Article 31. > > Comments: > · It allows amendments to the general bylaws, not just the zoning > bylaws. This should be forbidden. It is a terrible idea to hide > constructionmatters in general bylaws, as they are rarely read by potential > homeowners, builders, developers and architects. Want to hide the salami? Put > it in the general bylaws. Construction rules should be in the building code. > Articles put forward by 8th graders are put in the general bylaws. > > Just how obscure are the general bylaws, so as to justify the concern that > they are rarely read? Well, here’s one general bylaw. > > Article XI, Section 2. Town Seal and Sealed Instruments A. The design of the > Town Seal shall be: a circle, in the border the words "Lincoln. Incorporated > in 1746 as a precinct; in 1754 as a Town"; in the center, a shield, in the > chief or upper part of which on a cross, gules, a fleur-de-lis, gold, from > the old seal of Lincoln, England, and in the base of the shield a view of the > present Town Hall; crest, the old chestnut tree standing upon the Common in > Lincoln; in saltire two shepherd's crooks. > > And here’s the Town Seal: > > <image002.png> > > > Does the present Town Seal look like the present Town Hall? No, because it is > Bemis Hall. THAT’S how obscure the general bylaws are. > > > · Article 31 would “restrict construction projects that do not qualify > as fossil-fuel-free.” English is my first language, yet I wonder: What does > this say? > > It “restricts” (but does not prohibit – the first negative in the sentence) > . . . > That “do not qualify” (this is the second negative in the sentence) . . . > As “fossil-fuel-free” (this is the third negative in sentence) . . . > > Why did they write a sentence in the triple negative? It is not good drafting. > > · Now on to the cross-reference. Article 31 defines “fossil-fuel-free” > with wording that is very odd. > > “the term “fossil-fuel-free” shall mean new building construction or major > renovation that results in an entire building or an entire condominium unit > that does not utilize coal, oil, natural gas, other fuel hydrocarbons > (including synthetic equivalents), or other fossil fuels in support of its > operation (including for heating or cooking) after construction,” > > If they meant to define “projects” as “new building construction or major > renovation,” they didn’t. There is no definition of “projects.” Will the > construction of a fire pit, or a brick pizza oven, result in “an entire > building” that is not fossil-free? > > · And “fossil-fuel-free” (a negative term) is defined as a result > “that does not utilize fuel hydrocarbons.” A double negative. > > So what does this mean after you get through the four negatives? > 1. Restricts (a negative) > 2. Do not qualify (a negative) > 3. Fossil-fuel-free (a negative: no fossil fuels) > 4. Not fuel hydrocarbons (a negative) > > Do you find this confusing? If you do, it is not yet ready for Town Meeting. > > Wood pellets and biomass are good renewables. And then there is the public > policy issue. Does Article 31 ban wood pellets or biomass as a fuel to heat a > project? Wood pellets and biomass are widely seen as a good source of fuel > because these sources are completely renewable. Does Article 31 deal with > renewable hydrocarbon fuel? What have the proponents got against those two > renewable sources of heat? > > Finally – Each year my backyard forest leaves a lot of wood on the ground – > which I burn while watching football and hockey games, and burn to grill > salmon. > > Article 31 speaks to “heating or cooking.” Does it ban a fireplace and > wood-fired grill? Should we make Dad a criminal? > > After wading through four negatives, trying to figure out what a “project” > is, and worrying about a fireplace and a grill, I oppose Article 31. > > I am reminded of the military expression – “Those who want to have fun talk > about strategy and tactics. Those who are serious talk about logistics.” The > logistics for reducing carbon emissions involve seeking an amendment to the > state building code, or the International Residential Code(IRC). Do that and > you’ll see a robust and well-informed discussion. Want to make a statement > with little impact? Want to make a real difference? Work on the State > Building Code or the IRC. Creating a special building code for Lincoln is a > terrible idea. Article 31 is worse than your standard 8th grade project. > > Fred Hopengarten > Six Willarch Road > > > > <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=icon> > Virus-free. www.avast.com > <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=link> > <x-msg://41/#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>-- > The LincolnTalk mailing list. > To post, send mail to [email protected] > <mailto:[email protected]>. > Search the archives at http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/ > <http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/>. > Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/ > <https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/>. > Change your subscription settings at > https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln > <https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln>.
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