Rehoboth Awarded Energy Grants

Carolyn Panofsky, the chair of the Green Energy Committee, told the Board of Selectmen Monday that the town has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the state, as well as $130,000 in incentives from MassSave.

Mass Save is a collaborative of Massachusetts’ electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency service providers including Berkshire Gas, Eversource, Liberty, and National Grid.

The committee is planning to institute energy upgrades at the police station. Panofsky explained the project would cost approximately $395,000, which would include a small contribution from the town.

Panofsky said the money is “currently being withheld” by Governor Maura Healey due to the town’s failure to comply with the MBTA Communities Act.

Section 3A of the Massachusetts Zoning Act (MBTA Communities Act) requires 177 cities and towns with or near MBTA transit to create at least one zoning district allowing multi-family housing by-right.

An article regarding a zoning change will be included on the Spring Town Meeting warrant.

“If we do meet that criteria by June 30, then (the state) will release the funds,” Panofsky said. “If we don’t, then we’ll have to reapply. If we have to reapply, it will cost the town more because the incentives are being reduced and the prices are going up.”

Chairman Skip Vadnais assured Panofsky the zoning change would be approved at town meeting.

“I think it would be a great improvement to the town,” Panofsky added.