Editorial

Editorial: You Can't Fight City Hall

It is axiomatic, and yet, why can’t we fight city hall? Maybe there is a better question: why should we have to fight?

We live in a representative democracy. Democracy means government by the people. In a democracy, from the Athenian Agora to the Stockbridge Town Meeting, the people legislate directly. In a representative democracy we elect representatives (and hire employees) to carry out the people’s wishes and act on our behalf. It was a cooperative process not a process that would create a fight. And yet…

Fifty years ago, the Town of Stockbridge leased property for ninety-nine years from the Austen Riggs Center. Just off the corner of Pine and Main Streets, Stockbridge had public tennis and basketball courts.

Stockbridge’s obligation was to maintain the courts. At the 2021 Town Meeting, Article 29 of the Warrant was approved. It granted $95,000 for the repair and upgrade of the courts, and yet, the Pine Street courts were not repaired. In 2022 a consultant from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) suggested we create public parking on Pine Street. How? Nullify the lease, pave over the courts, and put up a parking lot? In 2025, Austen Riggs said Stockbridge was not fulfilling the terms of the agreement and called for the Town to comply or return the property to Riggs.

Three choices were offered by Town Administrator: repair the courts at an extremely high price, hold the property for the remaining 44 years but find another use, or return the property to Austen Riggs. He asked for comments from the public; very few responded. However, a private survey attracted 80 responses: only 18% said return the property to Riggs. For lack of compliance, even when Town Meeting voted funds to do the work, Stockbridge lost an asset.

Many folks felt Red Lion Corner was dangerous. The feeling was responded to. On October 17, 2022, there was a Special Town Meeting to discuss a Main Street redesign. A study was conducted to determine what measures would make the intersection safer. A traffic circle was investigated but it was determined the intersection was too small. As an alternative, The Oval (some call it The Egg) was suggested. Much smaller, it worked like a traffic circle. Raised in the center of the intersection, all traffic would be forced to go around it thus reducing the points of possible impact.

Presented at the Special Town Meeting, The Oval was selected as the best choice of three: the circle, the Oval, and doing nothing. Yet it was never raised. It is flat on the pavement so that most cars just drive over it creating points of impact. On the other hand, why are plans marching forward that were never approved? There was an Article on this year’s Warrant for a section of Interlaken Crossroad to be removed from the designated roadway. That would enable Curtisville Bridge to become a walking bridge. It may be a great idea, but the real question is how and by whom was that decision made?

Which brings us to the elephant in the room – cost wise. Why do we assume the future existence of a new firehouse? When was a public hearing held? When did the people vote? Seems if you shout public safety loud enough you get to bypass the public power to approve. Reputedly, the new Lenox Public Safety Complex cost $21,000,000; will ours? That bill will fall on Stockbridge taxpayers at the same time as the approximately $50,000,000 for the new high school – you know – taxation and representation.

Let’s be honest: hopefully we hire folks who know their stuff. The people may have the power but maybe we don’t have as much knowledge on specific topics as the experts or staff we hire. Thing is, if we want to remain a democracy, the people govern, and we just have to do our best to listen, weigh, and decide. Those who work for or represent us must do their best to explain, listen, and remember that we decide. There should be no reason to fight city hall or for city hall to fight us. That’s ideal. Anyone have the GPS coordinates for ideal?

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Watch Now!

Stockbridge Updates on Air: David and Lisa Pugh Fight City Hall

News

In Memoriam

With sorrow, SU announces the death of Mary Balle. She was a smart, funny, unique Southern charmer. She was a member of the Laurel Hill Association Board of Directors, the Tuesday Club of Stockbridge, the Thursday lunch bunch, and a volunteer at the Stockbridge Library Museum & Archives.

“After the library closed on Wednesdays, we went across the street to Michael’s…it was their burger-special night.” Pat Flinn recalls. “We called ourselves ‘The Burger Babes’.”

Balle was a vocal and engaged citizen of the Town of Stockbridge. She was a woman who knew how to make her voice heard and her opinions known. In her professional life, she worked for the health and welfare of others. She will be missed. Our condolences to the friends and family of Mary Balle.

Journalism Corner

At the Stockbridge Town Meeting, Nick Nadorff asked about taxpayer money being granted to private entities such as Stockbridge library, the Affordable Housing Trust, and Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad. (Taxpayer money refers to the funds collected by governments which are then used to finance public services, government operations, investments, and shared societal needs.)

Sally Underwood-Miller, Chair of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), rose and explained that through CPC, recommendations are made for taxpayer dollars to be granted to many private entities such as Norman Rockwell Museum and more.

First, why is this in Journalism Corner? We report the story – who, what, where, when – and also why and how. (SU generally puts why and how in Editor’s notes). So, how are tax dollars awarded to private organizations on the national, state, and local level?

Through legislation, the government identifies for which services tax dollars can be granted to a private entity. Let’s use CPC as an example. CPC can recommend grants be awarded to a private sector organization in three predetermined areas only: open space and recreation, historic preservation, and affordable housing.

Next, the government informs the private organization. Interested parties apply. In the application, they demonstrate their ability to do the job; explain specifically what they intend to do, in which of the three categories it fits, and the exact cost of completing the task. To receive the funds, the grantee must demonstrate it did what it promised and used the money as promised. The organization is reimbursed rather than awarded the money in advance. So, your tax dollars are given away to private organizations only when they satisfy the conditions. Why? Because sometimes the private sector can do it better and there is a realization that government cannot do everything.

Nadorff asked a good question. It is important that the people know how our tax dollars are used. Not everyone follows the rules and taxpayers should know when they don’t. It is the job of journalism to keep us informed.

Events

Events

1. The Museum of the Gilded Age at Ventfort Hall is putting the puzzle back together. The Ventfort Hall estate was broken up and sold as building lots many years ago. The gatehouse and gardener’s cottage were also sold. Recently the Museum purchased the gardener’s cottage, and restored it to the estate. Ventfort is offering the house for short and long-term rental. Call for more details 413-637-3206

Watch for the Antiques Auction at Ventfort Hall, August 14. Proceeds will help defer the costs of the renovation projects t the museum. 

2. Many of you are aware of harsh things recently said about our “Little Old Ladies.” Too often, we are giving in to short, sharp speech – racism, sexism, ethnocentrism, and ageism. Here are two much kinder descriptions from the New York Times:

April 18, 2026: My Wife Is 85. She Takes My Breath Away. “Old ladies are wonders, winking lights in the universe, stars.”

May 25, 2026: Younger Men Are Increasingly Seeking out Older Women. “It is not just a dating trend. It is a shift in power, desire, and masculinity.”

Now that’s nicer, and nice is better. 

3. We wish Eric Hill a full and speedy recovery 
4. We wish Lionel Delevingne a speedy recovery. He is laid up and shooting photographs out of his kitchen window. The result is still beautiful. 
5. Our neighbor, Lee, has been named Massachusetts’ Best Managed Small Town. To Chris Brittain, Town Manager, and Lee’s fine Select Board, congratulations. The honor is well-deserved. You work together with mutual respect and a clear understanding of the proper jobs of each. Let’s wish the same for Stockbridge and all our South Berkshire towns. As an aside: I was treated to a night on the Town during Lee’s Restaurant Week. Boosting local business and local business offering Lee a night out at a good price, was a great idea. The food was great, the service was great, and the cherry on the sundae was that as we walked to the restaurant, Lee looked great. 
6. Congratulations to Raynor Warner! Three of his sculptures have been selected for the 11th Annual Newburyport Outdoor Sculpture Show.

Events

Events

1. The New Marlborough Meeting House presents One Town, One Read: North Woods by Daniel Mason. One Town, One Read is a communal reading project. This is the final installment. Read Daniel Mason’s critically acclaimed, bestselling novel, North Woods, set in Western Massachusetts. Then join the lively group discussion of the book facilitated by historians and authors John Demos, Karen Mitchell, and Alice Fahs on Saturday, June 27th at 4:30 pm at the New Marlborough Meeting House (154 Hartsville New Marlborough Road). This is a free event. Pre-registration is not mandatory but appreciated, at nmmeetinghouse.org

Read North Woods and learn about the history, natural life, and cultural evolution of our region. This is an opportunity to convene with other readers to share opinions, raise questions, and take a deep dive into the themes and history behind a magisterial and highly inventive novel. This event is co-sponsored by Friends of the New Marlborough Library, which has copies of the book available, and the Bidwell House Museum in Monterey.

Maggie O’Farrell, author of Hamnet, has called North Woods “a monumental achievement of polyphony and humanity . . . Relating the narrative of an entire country via a single plot of land, it sweeps the reader through hundreds of years and an array of protagonists with a deft, heartbreaking, idiosyncratic zeal. I loved it!”

Book description: When two young lovers abscond from a Puritan colony, little do they know that their humble cabin in the woods will become the home of an extraordinary succession of human and nonhuman characters alike. An English soldier, destined for glory, abandons the battlefields of the New World to devote himself to growing apples. A pair of spinster twins navigate war and famine, envy and desire. A crime reporter unearths an ancient mass grave—only to discover that the earth refuses to give up their secrets. A lovelorn painter, a sinister con man, a stalking panther, a lusty beetle: As the inhabitants confront the wonder and mystery around them, they begin to realize that the dark, raucous, beautiful past is very much alive. 

2. Norman Rockwell Museum presents The American Stories Gala, Saturday, June 6 at 6pm – an evening marking 250 years of American stories and honoring the extraordinary 40-year leadership of Laurie Norton Moffatt.

A landmark exhibition. A remarkable legacy. A future filled with possibility. Be among the first to see American Stories: From Revolution to Rockwell, a museum-wide exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, exploring our shared history through the powerful lens of illustration art. An evening of art, inspiration, and gratitude to celebrate 250 years of America’s visual stories–and the leader who helped ensure these images will endure. Tickets starting at $125. For more information, visit https://www.nrm.org/summer-2026-gala/ 

3. Berkshire Theatre Group presents John and Jen, a musical, starring Samantha Gershman and Jake Bentley Young. Music by Andrew Lippa. Lyrics by Tom Greenwald. Book by Tom Greenwald and Andrew Lippa. Directed by Gregg Edelman; music direction by Nicolas Perez. At the Unicorn Theatre, 6 East St., Stockbridge through June 7. Performances at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. A young brother and sister make a pact that will shape their lives and even beyond. 
4. The Stockbridge Cemetery Commission is holding another day of headstone cleaning before the *real* heat of the summer is upon us. We’ve made great and consistent progress over the years. Thank you to Lall the fabulous volunteers who have cleaned so many of our beautiful white marble monuments. Please join us for the morning of Saturday, June 13th from 9am to noon. We will continue to clean the monuments (most of them marble) in the oldest section of the cemetery near the corner of Main and Church streets. Instructions will be provided. If you are able to join us, please email: Candice Currie at CCurrie@stockbridge-ma.gov 
5. The Berkshire Historical Society presents: Local historian, Dr Carole Owens, June 24, 5:30pm at Arrowhead. In Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, twelve of the thirteen colonies voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence (New York abstained). As the colonies declared themselves free and no longer part of the British Empire, what was ordinary life like in the Berkshires? How wide was a road, how long did it take to get from Stockbridge to Philadelphia, how fast could a horse go, and were there any sidewalks? How were privileges and responsibilities different for men and for women? Who got married, who was tried for fornication, who was excommunicated, who was jailed, enslaved, and foreclosed upon? In Pittsfield, why was court held in a tavern? Around what issue did the population divide? 
6. League of Women Voters presents Problems & Possibilities in the Berkshires A conversation with Laura Brennan, the new Executive Director, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and Chris Bentson, The League of Conservation Voters, New England Region. At the Berkshire Waldorf High School, Stockbridge, June 23, 5:30pm Donations Appreciated – Reservations helpful: lwvcentralberkshires@gmail.com

News

From The Statehouse

In prior editions of SU, Christine Rasmussen reported on passage of the 2024 Climate Act. To meet the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the Healey Administration had big goals for permitting reform: making permitting faster and more certain. However, significant solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) expansion, is creating friction in local towns over land use and safety. Facing the proposals for large-scale lithium-ion battery containers near residential areas and converting forests and farmland into energy storage sites, many municipalities, particularly in Western MA, are struggling to comply, or in some cases, resorting to lawsuits.

Fields known as BESS are used when the sun sets; batteries are needed to store the excess energy to provide power through the darkest hours. A large battery system might consist of rows of shipping containers in a fenced lot, with the containers holding hundreds of thousands of cells. Battery energy storage systems to store power are considered mandatory with the rise of intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar. BESS are credited with making energy more reliably available and reducing blackouts. However, according to the Electric Power Research Institute, beyond conflict over land use, there have been injuries and some deaths related to BESS fires. . To address this, the state is creating new requirements for battery-based energy storage systems that store energy generated by commercial facilities when the sun is shining.

However, the state should listen to the voices calling for more solar systems on residential and commercial properties thus preserving recreational space, agricultural land and forests.

The MA Municipal Association (MMA) represents all municipalities in the state and voiced the following concerns:

There is significant confusion regarding whether local bylaws that are more stringent than state regulations will remain valid.

Municipalities might face legal challenges if they do not adopt new ordinances that explicitly follow state procedures.

Town Clerks are identified as the default “Local Government Representative” for project applications. The MMA suggests that building inspectors would be more suitable points of contact.

MMA recommends expanding the definition of an “Abutter” to include those within 300 feet of a property line, which is standard in zoning. They also question the one-mile radius used to define “Key Stakeholders,” noting it has vastly different impacts in rural versus urban settings.

MMA suggests that without education and consensus building by the state, communities will face “immense pushback,” lawsuits, and “challenging decisions” regarding their permitting authority.

News

Notes from the Finance Committee (FC) Baby Town (BTM) Meeting, May 11, 2026, Hybrid Meeting

Jay Bykofsky, FC Chair, explained that the purpose of the BTM was to go through the Warrant and entertain any questions or comments from the public as we prepare for the Town Meeting. The Chair also mentioned that the FC voted on each article, recommending it or not. Each FC member read one or more articles from the Warrant, noted if it was recommended by the FC, and asked for questions or comments.

The only article on the Warrant not recommended was section 19 of Article 9. That was a request for the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad’s purchase of an ambulance – a capital expense. It was also the only one discussed at length. FC voted not to recommend the capital expense.

There was only one question. It was related to another section of Article 9. That section was for funds to purchase a large lawn mower for the Highway Department. The question was whether they had abided by the initiative to purchase electric rather than gas-driven machinery whenever possible. Town Manager did not know, speculated that large scale electric mowers may not be available, and said he would check.

That concluded review of all articles on the Warrant that related to financial matters and therefore under the purview of FC.

Notes from the Conservation Commission (ConCom), May 12, 2026, Hybrid meeting

1. Bryan Siter, a representative for the Marian Fathers, 2 Prospect Hill Road, reported that the Historical Commission turned down their request to raze an historic building on the property in order to build a parking lot, Rather than wait a year as required by the Demolition Delay Bylaw, they redesigned the parking lot and the building would remain. They were before ConCom for a Storm Water permit. It was approved with a condition: they would build from the bottom up (build the downhill catchment area first) so that if, during construction, there was a runoff event, the catchment area would already be in place. 
2. Karl Lange, 8 Shamrock St. (Map 106, lot 51) The plan is to demo and rebuild a single family home. The new updated plans were submitted and accepted. Bill Loutrel made a motion to close the hearing and approve the new plans. Joe DeGiorgis recused himself. The motion passed. 
3. A number of requests were continued because no representatives for the projects were present. 
4. Town Administrator, Michael Canales, is still trying to clarify the tenets of the weed harvesting Stockbridge Bowl. The “one pass” definition seems to be in question. 
5. Roger Bailey reviewed the extensive tree cutting on the property owned by Catherine Ross, 6 Furnace Road. The cutting has been going on for a few years. Many trees were reported as dead and some as threatening the power lines. Any trees of value such as Shagbark Hickory, Maples, etc. will be protected. Konkapot Tree Service and John Field Tree Service have performed much of the work. The property is not within the Flood Plain. The plan is to excavate the stumps and cover them over and build a dwelling unit for Mr. Bailey’s brother. David will review the site. 
6. Taylor Valastro asked about building a dock on the property of Jeff Grossman at 9 Mahkeenac Terrace. The original dock was damaged. The size and configuration of a new dock will remain the same.

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC), May 14, 2026, Hybrid meeting

1. Chair Michael Nathan announced that the Lake Management Plan is complete and as soon as there is a clean copy, it will be submitted to the Select Board. 
2. The Water Chestnuts will be surveyed and pulled as a much cheaper price than formerly imagined. 
3. Town Administrator is working to solve the problem with the Harvesting Permit. It seems the permitting agency interpreted the words “one pass” as one pass per run 
4. The priorities list for the Commission included: Algae, Invasives, and harvesting. A discussion followed that focused on the algae only. Cyanobacteria Blooms are toxic algae blooms. There were questions about what anyone could do if a bloom appears, who has jurisdiction, and can blooms be prevented in the first place.

Tri-Town Health has jurisdiction and if a bloom appears will close the lake. Perhaps only a portion of the lake needs to be closed, but that would require testing the water. There are ways to treat (read poison) the bloom but that can release poison into the lake. It is a hard call. There are ways to prevent or diminish chances of a bloom forming. A few years ago, Roxanne McCaffrey prepared a list of things to know for those who lived around the lake. It suggested that causes were use of fertilizer on lawns, weed killers, and runoff. It suggested these things be avoided. Tri-Town Health and Chair Charlie Kenny are working on the problems. 

5. Don Chabon suggested that two processes are soon to take place and SBSC should have representatives to oversee them. They are two of the largest public works undertaken on the lake in his lifetime, Chabon said. They agreed to take the matter up at the next meeting.

Notes from the Town Meeting, May 18, 2026, In-person only but televised on Channel 1303

Editor’s note: On any Warrant Article the maximum number of residents who voted was 132. Out of an eligible voting population of approximately 1725, 7% of voters made the decisions about our spending and therefore our taxes for the next year. On the following day only 144 people voted in the local election. No race was contested.

Articles 1, 2, and 3 passed without debate. There was a call for an amendment to Article 4: the amendment would have increased the amount granted to Stockbridge Library. The President of the Library Board declined the offer saying the library carefully weighs its annual request, asks for only what it needs from the Town, and wants no more. The amendment failed.

Warrant Articles 5, 6, and 7 passed without debate.

Article 8 (Accessory Dwelling Units) was discussed. Those opposed felt it limited what individuals and businesses could do on their own property. Those in favor felt it was a procedural correction requested by the Commonwealth and the best of the choices available.

Article 9 contained a number of individual requests for funding called sections. Of the sections, “holds” were placed on #8 #18 and #19. When a hold is placed, the balance of the article can be voted upon, but the items “held” must be discussed before voting. The hold on #8 was later withdrawn. Discussions were held on #18 – $25,000 requested by Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad for operating expenses and #19 – $25,000 requested by SBAS for capital expenses. Those opposed cited the lack of details about the amount requested, either a breakdown of how the amount was arrived at and how it would be used, and the overall management of the organization. Those who supported both grants were more colorful presenting testimony about a lifesaving event, the fear and danger if no one responded when there was a critical health emergency. Those who supported the request for operational expenses, but not capital expenses, pointed out that the operational request was for one year only while Stockbridge Fire/EMT gets up and running. and the capital expense (for an ambulance) would not be available for a year or more. Those in favor were heartfelt and persuasive — both #18 and #19 passed.

There was discussion on Article 12: the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) recommendations. The issue introduced was when should our taxes be granted to private institutions like the Affordable Housing Trust, the Library, and Construct. It was agreed that it was a question worth a discussion both because there was confusion and also because there really should be rules governing the grants. (See Editor’s note)

The rest of the Articles passed with brief or no discussion.

Before the Moderator closed the Town Meeting, he thanked Terry Iemolini, Town Clerk, for her years of service. Everyone clapped and rose to their feet.

Editor’s Note: 1. For clarity, Stockbridge Updates fully supports Southern Berkshire Ambulance (SBAS), and all our brave men and women in all 31 Berkshire towns who run toward danger seeking to help others and save lives. In fact, SU‘s Executive Editor agreed to help SBAS raise funds and has planned a thrilling benefit concert this summer. Nevertheless, SU has an obligation to accurately report what is discussed and decided during our town government meetings whether they are complimentary or not. 2. Newspapers, including SU, have an obligation, when possible, to clarify or explain actions and decisions. To that end, there are hard and fast rules for when and under what conditions tax dollars are granted to private organizations. See Journalism Corner above.

Reader to Reader

Reader to Reader

Good Morning Carole,

AlfordLink is a municipally owned, fiber optic internet service created to provide high-speed broadband access to residents in Alford, Massachusetts. It is part of the town’s effort to deliver reliable and modern connectivity in a rural area that was historically underserved by large commercial internet providers.

The service operates through a Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) network, meaning fiber-optic cables run directly to homes and town offices, enabling very fast and reliable internet connections. The infrastructure is owned by the town (via the AlfordLink Enterprise Fund / Municipal Light Plant), while Whip City Fiber (Westfield Gas & Electric) manages network operations and service delivery. Whip City serves other communities, similar to Alford, including, Becket, Otis and Richmond in Berkshire County.

AlfordLink offers gigabit-speed internet service, delivering up to 1,000 Mbps for both download and upload speeds. This allows users to stream content, work remotely, and connect multiple devices simultaneously without performance issues. The service is designed to be high-quality, affordable, and reliable, with features such as no data caps, no long-term contracts, and optional add-ons like VoIP phone service. We are currently testing equipment to increase our delivery service to 2.5gb.

The development of AlfordLink reflects a broader trend of community broadband initiatives, where local governments build and control internet infrastructure to improve service quality, reduce costs, and support economic development. In small communities like Alford, this approach helps overcome limited investment from large ISPs and ensures residents have access to modern digital services.

Happy to answer any questions you may have. As I mentioned, Alfordlink is owned and operated by the Town of Alford. The annual operating budget is included in the town warrant for all to see. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Thank you, Tim Ortwein

Editor’s note: Tim is a member of the Alfordlink Commission, Alford, MA. If folks express an interest, SU is happy to hold a meeting – a Q&A – on the subject. Let us know.