PROJECTS

NEW PROJECT:  You tell us.  What would be a good neighborhood wide project?  Get a common rain gutter cleaner for a big volume discount?... a driveway seal coater?... a house painter?... a lawn service?... a heating oil provider?  More ideas on the LIKES page and HILLY's LIST.

SECURITY:  
Recent concerns about neighborhood security are addressed in a Report from the March 15, 2017 Neighborhood Meeting copied below. (Please scroll down).  Three big takeaways: lock your doors, keep post lamps bright, and report suspicious activity.  See also some options for security cameras and information from the OHE Security group.

LAMPPOST REPLACEMENT:
We have a contractor who gives us a good volume price.  Thanks to all of you who keep our neighborhood well-lit.  And we worked on another batch of replacements for December '17. See the latest price list and descriptions.  A preorder commitment form is available from chamberjh@gmail.com

FENCES:
The stockade fences are being repaired piecemeal and that seems to be working.  This year there's a bit more in the budget for ongoing repairs.  The front gateway finally became too much for routine maintenance and has been replaced with new white vinyl.  For 10 years we had been setting aside funds to pay for wholesale replacement. Glance to the side as you drive by and see the new look.  See photos of our tired old gateway and the new structure below...

NATURAL GAS:
We can see that EverSource has completed the natural gas pipeline through OHE.   They have done a pretty good job for the most part.  There were some lingering issues to be cleaned up and ES has addressed them.  You might refer to last year's letter (below) for contact and reference information if you still have issues.  Thanks to all who suffered through the mess and construction so we could enjoy the access to gas service and heating cost savings.

WEB SITE:
The blog site is an active resource for our neighborhood.  It has the calendar and pictures of events, budget information, town references, committee agenda and actions, and a place for you to promote your business or cause... and use "Hilly's List."  Please let Sarah or John know if you see something wrong or missing... we want to keep it up to date.
     We also now have a neighborhood Facebook page... Ocean Hill Estates Facebook

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OHE's Proposed New East Gateway to complement the new West (Main) Gateway below

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Neighbors-
      As most of you know there were some car break-ins or attempts a few weeks ago which were reported on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1190507374350704/  (and to the Kingston Police, of course).  Since then a small OHE group has been working to come up with a recommendation for security cameras with volume discount pricing.  The result is outlined below.
     Many of you may already have comprehensive security systems from ADT, Comcast, Verizon, etc. or may be considering them.  Others of you may feel quite comfortable exercising the basics of home security with locked doors and generous lighting.  (See other common recommendations at www.tinyurl.com/oheblog  Projects, Security.)  But for those of you in between who feel that a security camera could be a beneficial option we have assembled some information for you…
A. Ring doorbell cameras: There are four models.  The least expensive appears to have quite adequate resolution.  Here’s a link to Ring’s descriptions… 
https://shop.ring.com/  All Products, Video Doorbells, then click on any one of the product pictures.
B. Ring spotlight or floodlight cameras: There are four models.  Again, the least expensive appears to be quite good.  Several neighbors feel Ring is superior to other makes.  Note that they can be purchased in quantity packs of 2 or 4 (so you could save more by splitting an order with a neighbor).  Here’s a link to Ring’s descriptions… 
https://shop.ring.com/  All Products, Security Cams, then click on any one of the product pictures.
C. Rachel has obtained from Ring for us a group promotional discount for $25 off each item ordered in an initial purchase.  Just figure out which product(s) you want then send an email to Ring’s Chris Loos at cloos@ring.com for instructions.  State that you are in the Ocean Hill Estates neighborhood.  But note: as soon as we obtained this deal a number of stores have announced better prices through specials, packages, bundles, or limited availability sales for February.
D. Maynard has shared a link to Ring’s free neighborhood watch app for smart phones that lets you share/receive local alerts.  Signing up will give you a $10 credit toward a Ring product purchase.  It is… 
https://download.ring.com/GnMK/z7p3P4CyLJ
E. Richard found that Ring also has an optional subscription service (up to $100/year) which can archive videos, provide networking, etc.  Here’s a link to their description… 
https://support.ring.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001671383-Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-Ring-Protect-Subscription-Plans
F:  So, a low cost security video system would be the Ring doorbell cam @$154  and/or  the Ring Spotlight cam @$174 (or possibly as low as @$143.50 if split 4 ways) plus the free smart phone app (with $10 credit).  (That may not beat the best individual Ring prices we found at Best Buy, BJs, Amazon, etc. where sale models and quantities may be limited.  Also, other brands are available.)
Finally, anyone interested in participating in forming an actual Neighborhood Watch group for OHE, please let us know.
     -Caleb, Maynard, Mike, Rachel, Richard, and John (1/30/18)
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OHE Lamppost replacement project price list and order form

We have several neighbors in the market for lamppost replacements and an electrician-installer standing by.  A few more customers and we can get some volume price discounts.  If you want to get in on this package deal please respond soon.  See and submit the preorder commitment form below to chamberjh@gmail.com or 40 OHD.  Description details and picture links are provided below the form.  Revised.

                        Order form:

[ # ]   Unit price tax incl.         Description

[__]  @$116.82  Post, white vinyl 5” square w/o arm (Perfection #LP102VW)
[__]  @$259.20  Post, white vinyl 5” square with arm and corbel (Perfection #LPMB108VW)
[__]  @$ 24.91  Mailbox, black plastic (Lowes Item # 739150 Model # PP1100BL) incl. box mount kit
[__]  set @$ 7.75  House numbers, black (Lowes Item # 66745 Model # 0050x) incl. mounting screws
[__]  @$ 54.85  Lamp, black plastic, std. socket (Lowes Item # 208504 Model # PL125BK) incl. base + bulb
__________  Total for materials (incl. tax)
Please write a check to Ocean Hill Estates Comte (OHEC) for full amount of materials in advance when billed.  Discount will be rebated.

[__]  @$150.00  Post installation (either w/ or w/o arm; includes old disposal) (Pena)

[__]  @$ 75.00  Optional exterior outlet* with installation (Pena)

[__]  @$ 25.00  Optional exterior photocell* with installation (Pena)
__________  Total for installation (no tax)
Please have a check ready made out to Tony Pena at time of installation

         Sample grand total packages (tax incl.):

A.  Std. lamppost (w/o arm, mailbox, numbers, outlet & photocell) = $321.67
B.  Std. lamppost with mailbox (w/o outlet & photocell) = $496.69
C.  Std. lamppost pair (one w/ and one w/o mailbox & one w/ outlet and one w/ photocell) = $918.36

         Details and descriptions:

               Post types:
** Post, white vinyl 5” Square w/o arm (Perfection #LP102VW)… $109.95 + tax
https://www.perfectionfence.com/lantern-mailbox-posts/

** Post, white vinyl 5” Square with arm and corbel (Perfection #LPMB108VW)… $243.95 + tax

https://www.perfectionfence.com/lantern-mailbox-posts/
(Ours would be a tall Square post with mailbox arm and corbel like the Chatham)

Mailbox:

** Mailbox, black plastic (Lowes Item # 739150 Model # PP1100BL)… $19.97 + tax
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Postal-Pro-Hampton-8-in-W-x-10-in-H-Plastic-Black-Post-Mount-Mailbox/50397638?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-MailboxesAndPosts-_-50397638:Postal_Pro&CAWELAID=&kpid=50397638&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=1663&k_clickID=627b0084-1c35-46f0-83d0-792eed716f8d&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3dTQBRDnARIsAGKSfllrtOYD7BSaohOP087fbqgQbvW67lRwL8_imvg06dc5u4JdnsuWbYwaAhOSEALw_wcB

** Mailbox mounting kit (Lowes Item # 4642 Model # MBMBT15N)… $3.47 + tax

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Top-Choice-Mailbox-Mounting-Board-Treated/3185189

House number:

** House numbers, black (Lowes Item # 66745 Model # 0050x)… $6.72 (@1.68) + tax
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-3-86-in-Black-House-Number-1/1096055

Post lamp: 

** Lamp, black plastic, standard socket (Lowes Item # 208504 Model # PL125BK)… $42.98 + tax
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Portfolio-14-1-in-H-Black-Post-Light/50109242#+208504+model+#+p1001b

** Lamp fixture pier base, black (Lowes Item # 358617 Model # PB-01MBK)… $6.98 + tax

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Portfolio-Matte-Black-3-15-in-Pier-Light-Mount/3531110

** Soft white 60 W bulb, Sylvania (Lowes Item # 778108 Model # 26337)… @$1.66 (9.98 6 pack) + tax

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SYLVANIA-6-Pack-60-W-Equivalent-Soft-White-A19-CFL-Light-Fixture-Light-Bulbs/1000074257

Installation quotes:

** Post with or without arm installation (includes old disposal) (Pena)… $150.00
Optional exterior outlet* with installation (Pena)… $75.00
Optional exterior photocell* with installation (Pena)… $25.00

               Key:

* = Assumes a switched or always-on viable circuit in place at post
** = Recommended standard items.
Metal mailboxes and aluminum lanterns are not recommended because of corrosion.
Lowes prices are retail and would have at least a 5% discount.
Degree of volume discounting depends on the number of identical items ordered.

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OUR NEW GATEWAY...

OUR TIRED OLD GATEWAY...

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Report on the March 15 Neighborhood Meeting...

     Over two dozen neighbors gathered at Jim DeAngelis’
house Wednesday evening.  Snacks were generously provided by Jim, Sarah, and Maria.  Kingston Police officers Zachary Potrykus and Michael Skowyra provided an update on the recent rash of car break-ins, perspective on the situation, and a number of helpful suggestions.

• ·       Thanks to neighbors reporting suspicious activity the police have several ongoing leads under investigation.
• ·       About 95% of car break-ins are unlocked cars (still technically a “B&E”).
• ·       No home B&E has been reported in OHE for several years.
• ·       There has not been an overall increase in B&E activity in Kingston in the last 10 years, but there has been increased awareness (perhaps due to social media).
• ·       OHE seems to be a cut-through for several adjacent less welcome areas.
• ·       The Kingston police have cooperative relationships with Plymouth and State police units.
• ·       They have increased patrols through OHE.

Here are the suggestions for neighbors made by the police and attendees

• ·       Lock your cars.
• ·       Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
• ·       Park in your garage or at least off the street.
• ·       Keep your driveway and exterior well lit at night, including post lamps.
• ·       If it looks like your car was broken into, do not touch and do call police.
• ·       If you see suspicious people or activity, note physical description or plate # and call the police.  The police encourage us to call for anything suspicious. 
• ·       Do not confront or attempt to follow suspicious persons yourself; call police.

Here are additional suggestions to help discourage break-ins and mischief.

• ·       Improve the exterior lighting with brighter bulbs (LEDs), new placements, motion detector or timer switches.
• ·       Keep your car keys in the house.        -  Keep garage doors down.
• ·       Cameras (Arlo, Ring) can be helpful if of sufficient quality/resolution.
• ·       Car alarms are helpful to discourage intrusion.
• ·       Keep an eye on neighbors’ property, especially if they’re away on vacation.
• ·       Timers for several lights (and a radio) in your house can discourage attempts.

Here’s the proposed follow-up for OHEC

• ·       Communications will continue with updates on email, Facebook, website, and newsletters. 
• ·       KPD will look into getting us Neighborhood Watch signs for the entrances.  A small group of neighbors will research what is entailed in having an active NW program.
• ·       Neighbors will be encouraged to discourage break-ins and mischief by following the above suggestions.  The more of us that do so, the less attractive the whole of OHE will be to malicious activity.
• ·       We will form a small group of post light replacers where help is needed.
• ·       We will look into camera deals including video sharing in a virtual neighborhood network.
• ·       We will look into possibly getting a street light of some sort for cut-through areas.

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Natural Gas Project Revival Letter (5/16) to OHE Neighbors and 9/16 Update following...

The Gas Story for Ocean Hill Estates Neighbors

            Many of you may remember that two and three years ago we tried to get EverSource (then NSTAR) to meet with us to consider piping natural gas into the neighborhood and explain the process and costs so individuals could determine if they wanted gas delivery.  At the time NSTAR management was very conservative and thought that 95% of the requests for new gas pipelines were not cost effective, so our OHE gas project died.  Well, there has been a change of management and a change of heart.

            In fact, EverSource has picked our neighborhood as a unique (one of only a few in MA) special promotional fast-track project for them to evaluate the viability of future gas projects in the state.  It comes with many and varied incentives designed to be attractive to customers.  Your OHE Gas subcommittee met with their main Sales Representative, David Tulloch, on Wednesday to learn as many details and ask as many questions as we could.  So as best we can understand, here’s what we have so far.

General Information

            EverSource is going to run a natural gas pipeline in the streets (or sidewalks) down Ocean Hill and BayHill and into all the cul-de-sacs starting at the East end (near Union Grove).  They are planning to do this very soon because the window on this special program is very short.  They are doing this at no cost to the neighborhood or to any homeowners.  There is no obligation for anyone to hook up to the gas line.  (However, I think a lot of you will want to when you see what all the benefits are.) 

            EverSource is in the process of getting the permits for road work and Dig-Safe and so forth.  They will dig and fill-in and patch each day as they go along.  So it will be a bit messy for a few months.  They’ve pipelined neighborhoods before and know how to keep disruption to a minimum.  The Town Streets Department has assured me that they do a good job of it and will be made to fix any paving that isn’t right when done.  Also, we will do our best to keep you all apprised of the plans and progress throughout.  So, before any house line is run and hooked up from the street, they will complete these main lines.

            From now and throughout the main line work, David’s EverSource sales people will be talking with neighbors about all the benefits, costs, programs, rebates, and incentives.  As well as all the steps involved from initial assessment and application through running the line to the house, metering, and outlining subsequent plumbing and electrical contract work.  (The interior work would be arranged by the homeowner with a contractor; names of many contractors are listed in the EverSource literature.)  David has been provided with the list of interested homeowners that we generated two years ago.  Those are the people he will call on.  In fact, EverSource is sending out some introductory literature any day now to start with.  Note please, if you did not let us know in the past or if you are new to the neighborhood, you may be skipped.  So let us know you want to learn the gas incentive details and we’ll forward your contact info to David.  Let me be clear, none of this obligates you at that point… not until you sign the application (which is a contract).  And you can certainly decide to stay with oil.

Incentives for Signers

            David and his people will do their part in presenting the program features to you individually.  But here are some of the aspects we learned about Wednesday, hopefully to get you started thinking about it all.  EverSource wants to get us to be natural gas consumers (rather than heating oil consumers) so their incentives focus on converting us to gas heat (and gas hot water).  Of course, once you have gas it could be used to power ranges, clothes driers, fireplaces, grills, pool heaters, etc. as well. 

            The biggest incentives appear to be these:

1. The gas service line to your house from the street will be free if you agree to the application contract.  (Normally they say that line would cost $5,000+.  The application binder is $1,000, like a security deposit, refundable when a gas heat system is installed and operational. 

2. Mass Save has rebates on certain 90%-95% efficient furnaces and boilers and up to $800 for new hot water heaters.

3. Mass Save has 0% interest 7 year loans for qualified heating equipment up to $25,000.

4. EverSource will offer up to $400 in gas bill credits for new gas heat equipment from certain makers.  (David’s people can give all the options and alternatives.)

5. EverSource’s business partners have agreed to cover oil tank removal for a discounted price of only $350.  (Ordinarily the cost could be twice that much.)

6. Converting to gas heat may qualify you to receive other incentives on energy savings for things like insulation, programmable thermostats, etc.  Possibly 75% discounts or up to $2,000.

7. Finally, although there is a range of available boiler options, there’s one deal that EverSource has worked with one equipment maker.  For homes agreeing to install a Rinnai tankless water boiler system with combined hot water system, they can get it for cost (c. $2,400) and the homeowner can apply a rebate (c. $1,600) for a final cost of only $800.  Our committee had an oil man (Paul) and a mechanical man (Ron) in the room and they both agreed this was a phenomenal deal.  Caleb has experience with tankless heaters and provides two links.  “…My project managers install thousands of these units across the country. The technology is vastly improved over the past decade and I have seen their performance over time and will be 100% putting one in my house. They are a proven technology in my opinion.”  https://www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/water-heaters/tankless-water-heaters/overview/tankless-water-heaters-ov.htm

8. On top of all that there are federal rebates and energy incentives to be explored…  https://www.irs.gov/uac/form-5695-residential-energy-credits

 Some of these programs are only good till 6/30/16 (… because they want this special project to happen quickly).  In fact, David said management is so aggressive they originally wanted to have a significant number of people signed up by early June (…only a week away, but they may be flexible).  He also indicated that even more incentives may be available by the time a representative visits you.

Savings:  For the past nine years the heat-producing effective price of gas has always been lower than that of heating oil.  This has been true on average and each month, including the past year when crude oil was bottoming.  EverSource says that you could save 50% on heating costs on average.  If that’s true and you spent $11,392 for oil from 2011-2015, as I did, then you’d save maybe $5,696 in the next 5 years.  But you can verify that with a Google search.  Here’s one source… http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cheap-oil-who-cares-homeowners-prefer-natural-gas-2014-12-18

Detail Information

            We are also finding out what some of the other costs and considerations may be to a gas heat conversion.  You would need a master plumbing contractor to acquire the new system, lay new piping, hook up the system, do the venting, etc.  This cost can vary a lot depending on how basic the installation is or whether there are more than two zones, additional gas appliance runs, and what type of system it is.  We wanted to estimate a ballpark range for this aspect but thought it might be misleading since cost is so dependent on the specifics for each house, system, and contractor.  It really requires an onsite survey visit from the contractor of your choice.  Electrical work to thermostats, CO detector, and shut-off could be around $500 according to Rob.  Removal of the old oil tank would ordinarily cost around $500 but EverSource’s business partners have agreed to cap it at $300 or $350.  (Also, you’ld lose whatever you paid for the remaining oil in the tank.)

            Here are some examples of individual situations that effect the total price of your inside work and applicable savings.  If you have propane service inside (fireplace, range, etc.) it cannot co-exist with natural gas service.  So to convert to nat gas heat you would also have to convert those propane appliances at some extra cost (although some models accept conversion inserts).  If you not only want gas heat and hot water but want to be able to power a gas drier or range there will be extra plumbing cost, even perhaps to stub in the extra piping for future.  Your existing oil boiler may be compatible with just a replacement gas burner, possibly costing less than a new gas furnace system,  (but not necessarily, given some of the deals available).  Finally, different contractors selling different products and services will charge different prices.  It will be up to you to make arrangements with the interior contactor(s).

            One of your gas committee members, Paul, has offered to visit your home himself (or one of his company’s representatives), if you like, and give you a better estimate of what you would need and how much it would cost for this work.  He thinks his company (Atlas Glen-Mor) would be able to provide extended warranties and installation service cost breaks if enough OHE homes sign on for gas and have them perform the indoor work. 

The Overall Project Process Order

·       First the pipeline goes through the streets.

·       Meanwhile EverSource visits and takes applications.

·       Homeowners who signed for gas meet with contractors to decide on equipment and scope.

·       EverSource runs the gas line up to the house.

·       Contractors install equipment, piping, electrical, vents, etc. (may take 2 guys 1 full day)

·       Inspector comes to approve (…may take a day w/o heat)

·       Contractor and EverSource hook it all up to the meter and test.

·       Neighborhood is targeted to be up and running with lawns restored and roads resurfaced by the end of August, but that seems optimistic.

            We’ve been told that normally the cost of getting a new gas furnace installation where the gas pipelines were already in the street would be $100 per foot for the line to the house (c. $5,000 for 50 feet).  Plus $6,000 to maybe $12,000 for new boiler, burner, controls, water heater, controls, and piping… there are a lot of options.   Now add all that up and compare it to the net cost of these EverSource incentives, gas heat savings, contractor price breaks, government incentives, warranties, energy efficiency, and home improvement.  (Art’s realtor says more home buyers prefer gas service to oil).  I think you’ll be impressed what a good deal it will be.  (I’m thinking about it myself and I just replaced a cracked oil boiler!  And so did a half dozen of our neighbors just in the past two years.)

One of EverSource’s business partners, Atlas Glen-Mor, will be offering a get-together for OHE residents to come and hear David (EverSource), AGM mechanical representatives, and folks from FW Webb (a plumbing supplier).  They will show products and help us understand the next steps in the process of conversion to gas if we choose.  There will be refreshments courtesy of AGM.  To be invited and learn time/location please email Paul: pokeefe@agmoil.com  with your contact information.

            We of the gas subcommittee can’t necessarily vouch for all the promises and prices.  But we are doing our best at diligence to check things out, monitor progress, and report to you.  Our interest is in providing you, our neighbors, with hopefully unbiased information and options to help you decide… especially since things are on such a fast track. 

            Some of you already know for sure you definitely want natural gas delivered to your house.  You may contact David directly and get started right away… David Tulloch; 508-441-5838; david.tulloch@eversource.com   Some of you may be concerned about nat gas safety or the complexity of the project and need more information.  David’s staff can discuss your concerns and questions.  Contact Christine Iarocci; 781-441-8530; Christine.iarocci@eversource.com   Meanwhile, please let your subcommittee know any concerns that we could field.

                        -John Chamberlain for the OHE Gas Committee: Caleb Benham, Rob Forde, Robb Giardino, Art Graziano, Ken Lazer, Paul O’Keefe, Chris Pinto, Ron Rosher.

The gas trenching plan as of August
Odd side of Ocean Hill
Even side of Seaview
Even side of Hillside
Even side of BayHill
Odd side of Highland
Even side of Longview
Even side of Berry

Neighbors-

     This is an update on several things that have changed since our original Natural Gas Story letter in May.  (The original plus this update can be found on the website at… http://oceanhillestatesneighborhood.blogspot.com/p/projects.html )

     The main pipeline could not be run in the road as planned.  The Town only permitted it to be run in the utility easement right-of-way which exists a few feet from the curb into our properties.  Where the pipeline trench crosses the roads and sidewalks EverSource has pledged to patch the surface to the Town’s satisfaction.  Where the trenching disturbs our lawns and driveways EverSource has pledged to restore any damaged areas.  In fact, as can be seen on the northeast end of Ocean Hill, they have done a very neat job of patching and reseeding.  (One thing we can do to help avoid damage to sprinklers is to mark the heads with stakes or little flags.)

     Although it could change, the gas main line trenching plan as of August was:  Odd side of Ocean Hill;  Even side of Seaview;  Even side of Hillside;  Even side of BayHill;  Odd side of Highland;  Even side of Longview;  Even side of Berry.

     The schedule has clearly slipped from the original estimates in May, but we believe that EverSource needs to complete the project by November’s frost deadline.  Presumably the incentive programs offered to homeowners will still be available, but we should each confirm that for ourselves depending on the level of service desired.

     The EverSource contact points are as follows:

Sales and programs questions: Christine at 781-441-8530, who’ll know about costs too.

Construction issues: Cindy at 508-441-5835, who'll be in touch with the crews.

     The show and tell session arranged by Atlas Glen-Mor happened in June and was much appreciated.  Now people are getting various quotes and opinions from mechanical contractors.  If you would like to be able to share some of that information among our members we could set up an information exchange that may help add some perspective.  Just let me know… (chamberjh@gmail.com).

     John, for the OHE Gas Committee (7Sep16)

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