SU FYI

The Transfer Fee - What is it and is it coming to our house?

In the simplest terms it is a charge added when buying/selling a house, that is, when transferring it to a new owner. Therefore, it is called the "real estate transfer fee."

The new income realized would be dedicated to affordable and workforce housing. In addition, a percentage of the money raised could be ear-marked for grants to repair existing houses.

There is agreement about the problem: that the cost of housing in Stockbridge rose sharply creating a scarcity of affordable and work force housing.

There are a number of solutions proposed to address the problem. The Transfer Fee is one. Specifically, it is a 1-percent or 2-percent fee on property sales over a stated amount.

It is an idea introduced by Great Barrington Select Board member, Leigh Davis, however, it may also resonate in Stockbridge (See the Select Board meeting report below.)

Leeches

Leeches of North America are common in all our lakes. They are bothersome, especially in swimming areas. They are not dangerous. They do not cause serious physical harm and they do not transmit diseases. They are just really ugly, sort of squishy, and they dig into skin so they have to be pried out.

Stockbridge Cultural Council Survey/Grant Application Deadline

This year the Stockbridge Cultural Council (SCC) conducted a survey to obtain community input on our funding priorities.

Our residents responded:

• Continue support for local artists, writers, and other contributors to our cultural bounty
• Prioritize arts education in the schools and field trips for students
• Provide low-cost programs for families.

The Council will continue its efforts to provide meaningful support to Stockbridge-based applicants, to applicants whose projects take place in a Stockbridge venue, and to projects that positively impact Stockbridge residents. We thank those who responded for their valuable input, and we have updated the priorities on our application website to reflect these goals.

This cycle, the SCC will be awarding $15,500 in grants including $5,500 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and $10,000 from the Town of Stockbridge.

The application period for grants opened September 1 and will close on October 17th.

For more information, please visit massculturalcouncil.org/stockbridge.

Judith Wilkinson, Chair, Stockbridge Cultural Council

Photo: Jay Rhind