EDITORIAL

Editorial: Making Friends

1734

When the first settlers arrived, they found a wild country. There were root and rock outcroppings interspersed with copious wetlands. There were no easy paths, no throughways. They had to walk and hack, avoid stumbling, blaze trails, and find fording places.

A mist rose off the water forming shapes that frightened. The newcomers thought the mist was the shroud for ghost or ghoul. They feared and avoided those areas.

There were real dangers: wolves and want. It was the want that came from nothingness — no roads, no manufactured products, no prepared foods, nothing at all except what they could forage or make with their own hands from the raw materials available.

It was tough, determined people who carved out small, isolated enclaves separated from the next settlement by dark, dense woods.

290 years later...

2024

Travelling from town to town in the last six months, it became clear that all eighteen towns in South Berkshire have similar problems and feel distinctly different. We share the same soil, the same river, and the same self-determination. Surviving the same arch of history left us with similar needs and inadequate resources to meet them all.

At the same time, each of the eighteen communities has a unique personality born out of a known and treasured history that resulted in pride of place, and a desire to hold onto its own ways. Sharing may solve some problems, but we are suspicious of joint solutions.

When a member of one community answered a call for help from members of another community, I listened as he was unceremoniously dressed down. How dare he intrude?

I watched as towns turned their backs on the need of the village down the road and sighed with relief that it was not happening to them.

I watched as one town spent time and money to outfox its neighboring towns so the inevitable consequence would fall elsewhere and not on them. And yet...we may have arrived at a fork in the road — a place where we need each other.

So, let's talk — just talk — over-the-back-fence style. Get to know what we each need and what we will not relinquish. Then — if we see them wrestling with a problem and they don't ask us for help — we could reach out and offer.

Carole Owens
Executive Editor

 

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Photo: Jay Rhind

 NEWS

SU FYI

1. Vote! Vote! Vote! Vote! Tuesday September 3 Primary Election Day

Ways to vote:

Mail-in ballots can be returned in the drop boxes outside Town Hall until close of polls, 8 pm on Tuesday Sept. 3. It's too late to mail it.

In-Person voting is any time Clerk's office Town Offices

Election Day is Tuesday, September 3rd: 7am to 8pm in the Senior Center on the ground floor of the Town Offices

Check the town website for specimen ballots. https://www.stockbridge-ma.gov/town-clerk/page/information-september-3-2024-state-primary

New Online Dashboard

2. Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is excited to announce the release of a new online dashboard that provides visual and detailed information about the safety of our roads in Berkshire County. Throughout the year, BRPC has been working to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for the region. Funded by the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) federal program, this project is named the Safe Travel and Equity Plan for our Streets (STEPS) initiative.

The efforts have included meetings and opportunities for public input, with assistance from consultation partners, BETA Group, Inc., who have worked to develop our new Data Dashboard and Public Input Mapping Tool. This dashboard aims to provide an interactive tool for community leaders, stakeholders, and members of the public to see which areas of Berkshire County have the highest risks of serious and fatal crashes.

Visit the dashboard HERE to get started. You can switch between the Data Dashboard and Public Input Mapping Tool using the tabs at the top of the screen.

In the Data Dashboard, users can view crash statistics for the county by default and individual communities by selecting from the menu in the top-right corner. This helpful tool provides the exact locations of high crash and fatality areas, visualizes this information on the map, and provides charts and graphs with additional context and information about crash statistics.

The Public Input Map Tool allows users to submit comments on the map where they would like to highlight a known or potential safety risk. To do so, place a point in the map toolbox in the bottom-right corner and select the type of concern. Users can even submit photos to provide more context for their concerns.

By continuing our focus on a data-driven approach to collecting qualitative and quantitative safety information, we strive to provide valuable data to inform local decision-makers. BRPC is confident that this asset will provide a new opportunity for public participation, which can be used to implement roadway safety improvements in our region.

3. Berkshires Outside website helps residents explore and helps protect natural resources from overuse

BRPC launched www.berkshiresoutside.org in early 2024 to help residents and visitors discover more of the outdoors. Since its launch, the site has hosted nearly 50,000 sessions.

Remember to check it out as we approach fall and perfect weather for visits to our county's special places.

4. What does a new home cost in Berkshire County?

BRPC has access to the online building permit program for 20 communities in the county and can view high-level data on these permits. The price of new home construction has increased significantly over the years and has become unattainable for many county residents. The current average price for new home construction in the 18 months from January 2023 to June 2024 is $647,669, approximately $200,000 more than from 2017-2020. This covers 164 buildings permitted.

These prices do not tell the whole story of new homes, however. The homes can be broken into four categories — affordable housing through agencies like Habitat for Humanity, owner-built, modular, and traditional stick-built by a contractor. In the last 18 months, 26 residential buildings built by affordable housing agencies have been permitted with an average price of $217,089 per unit ($217,000 median). This price is mostly for materials, as these agencies often rely heavily on volunteers for construction.

Owner-built new housing, where the owner serves as the contractor, of which there have been 45 permitted, has an average price of $392,197 ($310,000 median). These homes, which tend to be larger than affordable housing homes, are also subsidized by the owner volunteering their labor for the construction. Modular homes, which are pre-assembled and transported to the building site, of which 29 have been permitted, have an average price of $410,577 ($309,165 median). Modular homes are built in a factory and tend to be more efficient in material use and time due to the controlled conditions. The final category of homes is traditional stick-built homes built by a contractor for an owner. There have been 78 permitted homes with an average price of $975,704 ($724,334 median).

Looking at all new homes during the last 18 months, 24 have been permitted for over $1,000,000, 46 homes have been permitted that range from $500,000 to $999,999, and 94 are below $500,000, with the majority of these lower-priced homes built by owners or affordable housing agencies.

 

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Photo: Jan Wojcik

 NEWS

Events

Children's Chime Tower Closing Day

Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd 5:30pm

Children's Chime Tower in front the old Town Hall

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 PERSPECTIVE

From the Desk of TOwn Administrator Michael Canales

Commonwealth Finance Fellowship: Andrew Gillman

The Local Finance Commonwealth Fellowship, a fantastic internship program for Massachusetts community college students, recently allowed Andrew Gillman, a student at Berkshire Community College, to make his mark here in Stockbridge.

For those unfamiliar, the Fellowship is a paid opportunity where 30 lucky participants get a hands-on crash course in municipal finance. It's all about prepping them for future careers, thanks to a training program managed by the Division of Local Services (DLS). The program gets extra backing from the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association and the Massachusetts Municipal Auditors' and Accountants' Association. And the best part? These students get to dive into real-world experience through partnerships with towns and cities across the state.

Andrew, who wrapped up his studies at Berkshire Community College last year, took full advantage of this opportunity. He's now pursuing an accounting degree at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, but not before leaving a lasting impression here in Stockbridge. During his time with us, Andrew rolled up his sleeves and dug into some pretty important work—specifically developing the financial data and presentations for a potential shared EMS/Fire service with our neighbors in West Stockbridge and Richmond. His knack for Excel and his ability to break down complex numbers has been nothing short of impressive.

But what really stood out was Andrew's critical thinking and his ability to approach problems from a fresh angle. It's rare to find someone who not only gets the numbers but also knows how to think creatively about them. My discussions with him made it clear that he's got a bright future ahead.

We're all cheering for Andrew as he continues his journey, and we have no doubt that success is on his horizon!

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 NEWS

Notes from the Planning Board (PB), August 20, 2024, Hybrid Meeting

1. Chair Kate Fletcher called the meeting to order and explained the Affordable Homes Act recently signed by Governor Healy (See SU August 15, 2024). She said it will require a review of local bylaws in the next 180 days — estimated time for law to go into effect.

2. It will require a review of local bylaws with respect to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Short-Term Rentals (STR). Although state law governs and supersedes local bylaws there are still areas where local bylaw could govern. For example, local law can prohibit ADUs from being short-term rentals; setbacks for ADUs can be governed by local bylaws.

3. Kate Fletcher said Liz Wheeler would work on the Short Term Rental bylaw, and she would add the Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) bylaw to the list of bylaws to review and work on LOPD with PB member Eric Egan.

4. The discussion about LPOD continued with members recounting the history of the bylaw and expressing regret that it has not been overwhelmingly successful in protecting the lake. For example, Egan thought only one house on the lake was subject to LPOD restrictions.

5. The Chair indicated that the Affordable Housing Trust has been waiting some time for PB review and possible approval of their Housing Plan. PB will hold a public hearing followed by a vote of the PB in mid-September

Editor's note: PB might also want to review the section on "tiny houses on tiny lots" as a provision of the new law that may impact Stockbridge and other south county towns.

 

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Photo: Richard Lasner

 NEWS

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC), August 22, 2024, Hybrid Meeting

1. Zebra Mussels continue to invade Berkshire lakes — recently found in Onota Lake and anticipated soon in Pontoosuc Lake. The Harbor Master said Stockbridge may be doing all it can and will continue to monitor.

2. A proposed kayak rack near the outlet off Lake Drive includes a five-foot path which is wide enough to accommodate a boat and is therefore perhaps not advisable.

Editor's note: Zebra Mussels are not indigenous and can get into our lakes by being transferred from the bottom of boats that were on contaminated lakes. Limiting places where boats can launch and offering washing stations at those launch sites helps.

 

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Photo: Jan Wojcik

 NEWS

Notes From Meeting Re: Shared Fire and Medical Emergency Services, August 22, 2024, Hybrid Meeting

Present: representatives from Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, and Richmond. This was only the second meeting. It looked at the costs associated with shared fire and emergency medical services (EMS) for the three towns.

A preferred option appeared to combine the emergency services of Stockbridge and West Stockbridge and moving toward full-time paid fire/EMS units backed by volunteers.

While this proposal provides for those two towns to be the primary areas for response, it would offer support services and training to Richmond. Attached is an initial presentation for a merger of Stockbridge and West Stockbridge and perhaps Richmond, click here: https://www.stockbridge-ma.gov/media/14176

Lee will continue to partner with Stockbridge in answering calls, but the location of their new fire station precludes the merger of the two services discussed earlier in the year.

The most important element in fire and EMS services is response time. The locations of the cooperating towns and their stations is the most important element in gauging response time.

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 PERSPECTIVE

Building Affordable Housing Through Major Zoning Changes

By Christine Rasmussen

In April, Bankrate announced that prospective homebuyers in Massachusetts must make $162,471 a year to afford a home. Four years ago, the figure was $115,797. That's a 40% increase from 2020. Wages haven't kept pace with the rising cost of houses, leading to numerous issues, including a rise in migration out of the County o more than 39,000 people. Those leaving are between the ages of 26 to 34 years. Many are college students educated here, but unable to find housing that works for them, according to Boston University professor Mark Williams.

In October 2023, Governor Maura Healy introduced the Affordable Homes Act, which she envisioned enabling the creation of more than 40,000 homes that would not otherwise be built, and preserving, rehabilitating, or improving more than 27,000 existing homes. It also supports first-time home buyers, and other.

As the 2023-24 legislative session wound down, the legislature passed a $5.16 billion five-year Housing Bond Bill to enact many of the governor's proposals. The bill provides some crucial incentives for creating housing, but its final version was disappointing because it removed earmark funding for housing in rural towns. However, the provision causing the most discussion allows for the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) or in-law apartments in every municipality in the Commonwealth if the unit is under 900 square feet and located on zoned single-family lots by right, meaning there is no need for a special permit or variance. The units can be attached or detached from a single-family home in a basement or attic or by a garage/barn conversion. Construction of ADUs is still subject to local building codes and site plan review, a regulation that towns will need to approve before the provisions of the law become effective in November. The Healey-Driscoll Administration estimates that 8,000 to 10,000 ADUs will be built across the state over the next five years.

Another policy enacted as part of this legislation is the creation of a Seasonal Communities designation for towns in Berkshire County with 40 percent seasonal residents. The designation is the first step in developing unique tools for communities with substantial variation in their housing needs due to seasonal employment. Cape Cod and the islands received the designation last year.

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is developing guidance on implementing these significant changes. Stay tuned; this fall will be busy!

Editor's note: Christine Rasmussen is our representative to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 THE LAST WORD

Reader to Reader

Hello,

As a part-time Stockbridge resident for the past 10 years, I value your newsletter a lot. You've made it clear that the town is at a crossroads and needs to respond to changing times with a purpose that is well informed by an understanding of the law, as well as a love for the community.

Is there some way a second homeowner who plans to become a full-time resident within 18 months (retirement — yay!) can help? My husband and I spend most weekends in Stockbridge, and we want the town we have come to consider ours to thrive without losing any of the characteristics that have made it so special for so long.

Thanks for any recommendations you can offer.

Elizabeth McCarthy

Good morning,

How nice to hear from you. You would be an asset anywhere. Here's a couple of things to do.

1. You can serve on any committee commission or board in town to which members are elected. Send a note to all 3 Select Board members and Town Administrator Michael Canales expressing your interest and asking that they inform you every time a position is vacant.

2. Do not underestimate the power of showing up. Go to every meeting that interests you. (Many are Hybrid meetings that can be attended via Zoom.)

3. Before the meeting starts, introduce yourself. Wait until they ask for public comments. They should at every meeting. If they don't, raise your hand and ask if they are going to ask as you had a comment or question.

4. Write to Stockbridge Updates about any issue that concerns you or any with which you are pleased.

Carole Owens
Executive Editor

To the Editor:

I loved Andrea Goodman's piece about the Chimes. I remember as a child opening the magic door and being allowed in the inner sanctum. I think Sherman Hall played them back then.

Mr. Hall seemed to show up every place in my life that involved music: Plain School, the Congregational Church, Searles.... I'm surprised he never taught me piano. (The credit — or blame — for that goes to Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Lane.)

Another great issue, Carole!

Wendy Hart Beckman, M.A.

To The Editor:

I know that if it were to be put to a Town Meeting vote, Stockbridge would support our tax paying neighbors in the Furnace District, to join with West Stockbridge and Gt. Barrington in the fight for affordable clean water. I know I would.

I am on the Chair of the Assessors and a member on the Planning Board but am writing as a private taxpayer.

Gary Pitney

Dear Gary,

Thank you for writing to Stockbridge Updates about this important matter. I believe we agree that clean, potable water should be a right, and providing it, the absolute responsibility of local government. I bet we also agree that we should care about the plight of our neighbors whether down the block or over a town line. You seem to imply that not suing is not caring.

Do you know what those suing are asking for? What they will happen if they win? After much time and many dollars only this: the matter is returned to the Department of Public Utilities for reconsideration of their decision.

The DPU decision mandated fixing the problems. Might it not be better, after 40 years of no fix, to accept the DPU decision and get on with it? I go for fixing the water — making it clear and clean for 23 houses in Stockbridge, around 80 in West Stockbridge, and 750+ in Great Barrington.

I wonder if suing isn't emotionally satisfying and strictly speaking counter productive.

Please write anytime on any issue, again thanks.

Carole

Dear Carole,

I've read some criticism in the local press about not having our neighbors' backs with regard to the Housatonic Water Works. There were three designated intervenors: me for Stockbridge and two paid Boston lawyers for the other towns who worked for a year on this rate case. The company asked for a $900k rate increase in Phase I and only got $211k, of which $129k is immediate.

As for the recent appeal: it has very little chance of succeeding, and, along with the Great Barrington Board of Health fines of potentially $1,000 per day per household ($750,000 per day), a very real chance of putting the company out of business. Who provides the water in that scenario? Retribution and pay back sometimes feel good, but rarely make for good policy.

Patrick White

 

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Photo: Jay Rhind