Working to Develop Affordable Housing and Installing a Maintenance Free Vinyl Picket Fence
Bob is in Mashpee, Massachusetts, where the affordable housing project is well underway with five of the eleven homes currrently under construction.
Clip Summary
Bob is in Mashpee, Massachusetts, where the affordable housing project is well underway with five of the eleven homes currently under construction. Bob talks with developer and general contractor Joe Valle about the pace of the project and the four homes that will be designated as affordable by housing agency guidelines. Valle introduces Bob to Zella Elizenberry of the Mashpee Affordable Housing Committee, Jamie Regan the chair of the Mashpee Zoning Board of Appeals, and Eric Smith, the Mashpee Assistant Town Planner. Together they explain the process that led to the approval and construction of Mashpee's first ever 40B affordable housing project. Regan explains that just 10 years ago zoning would have permitted the construction of four homes on this parcel of land, but today it is zoned for only two. While the board sees the need for affordable housing, they wanted to be sure there would be moderately priced housing, too. Elizenberry explains the original intent of the law, which was to prevent "snob zoning" or exclusion of lower-priced homes in communities. Smith explains 40B special zoning permits, for example, smaller lot sizes and reduced frontage requirements.
Bob meets Todd Skulksy of Perfection Fence as he installs the classic New England-style vinyl picket fence. This product has a wood look and is made of mono-extruded vinyl so that it has only one layer and will not show nicks or discolorations over time. The fence is installed without mechanical fasteners and has been engineered with the crimps molded into the rails. The rail locks into the post piece and the crimp holds it in place. Perfection Fence vinyl fences come in different styles, this one with traditional New England features like the Colonial cap and ball finial for the top. Skulsky explains that these fences are moderately priced and cost less than finished wood fencing, but more than an unfinished wood fence. They are maintenance free, however, which will save money over time.
