Planning Board (PB), April 16,2024, Hybrid

The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) presented the results of the Housing Production Plan (HPP) to the PB. Jan Ackerman, Vice Chair AHF, reported the HPP reports 1. Current local data 2. Local needs 3. Strategies 4. A general 5-year plan (not specific projects but general ideas).

Data - Stockbridge has an overall population decline and an increase in age of population. The 35-50 age range decreased in turn decreasing the number of school aged children.

Needs — Improve the condition of current housing stock and increase moderately-priced housing.

Strategies — In order to improve the conditions of current stock and increase moderately priced housing stock, AHT will accumulate more money. How? AHT can apply for grants and awards. AHT will reach out and educate the public. Last year, Town Meeting passed the Residential Inclusionary Bylaw that requires developers to pay for affordable housing or create affordable housing as they build more costly homes.

5-year Plan — five houses per year over 5 years — increased stock 25 houses. This is required by the Commonwealth and is aspirational for Stockbridge.

End of Ackerman report and Kate Fletcher, Chair of PB opened for discussion.

The topics of discussion were Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) which the Commonwealth will shortly regulate, jobs to support and encourage families to move here, and what might happen at DeSisto and Elm Court. Fletcher asked Ranee Warner, as a friend of Linda Law's, owner of Elm Court, what the plan may be on that property and if it had changed. Warner said indeed she was a friend but in no way associated with Law's business and had no idea.

Fletcher also reported that the lowest tax rate in Berkshire towns occurred in the towns with the lowest density and everyone should consider that.

Photo: Joan Gallos