Editorial

Editorial: An Architectural Firm Looks at Main Street

On October 17, Stockbridge will have a Special Town Meeting about “Main Street Redesign”. It might be fun to look to the past for pointers. In 1914, Stockbridge and the Laurel Hill Association partnered and hired Olmsted Brothers to “view the town with a careful and practiced eye” and report its suggestions for “a comprehensive and effective plan of improvement.”

Born in 1822, Frederick Law Olmsted won his first commission in 1858. From that date Olmsted designed public parks, streetscapes, and private gardens all over the country. His many projects were punctuated by the truly exceptional such as Central Park in New York City and the grounds of Biltmore, the Vanderbilt estate in Ashville, North Carolina. In Berkshire County Olmsted designed gardens at Elm Court, Wheatleigh, and Naumkeag. Olmsted died in 1903 — the premier landscape architect in the United States.

Olmsted established the country’s first landscape architecture business. When he was 76 years old, in 1898, his sons, John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. inherited it.

For more than fifty years 1864 – 1914, Stockbridge businesses and individuals were prodded to improve their “door yards”. Electric wires were buried, simple streetlights chosen, and historic structures maintained. The width of the street allowed for roadbed and walkways. Trees were planted on either side. Those trees, the Stockbridge Elms, overarched Main Street.

As a result, the Olmsted Brothers found Stockbridge “in a happy situation with rare charm… Stockbridge was fortunate because it took pride in its town and planned wisely.”

In offering suggestions, the landscape architects were clear from the outset: “the purpose of village improvement is… civil betterment.”

They were frankly suspicious of individual improvements that could do damage “unless [all] citizens take an interest and calculate the probable impact.” If done correctly, village improvement profits the Town and is “an investment with a return in tax valuation, land values, increased commerce, and civil contentment”.

So, what did Olmsted Brothers suggest?

• Maintain historic structures
• Have a continuity of plantings
• Be aware of how high and wide trees will grow in future
• Open views and create sightlines to distant mountains or lakes
• Discourage unwise or selfish action on the part of an individual that may undo the overall good effect

Their report concluded: “The fact that Stockbridge is so attractive has made the town well-known, and there has resulted a demand for land for country places which has caused a great increase in land values.”

One hundred eight years later the Olmsted report still seems relevant. Perhaps it contains hints how not to undo the magic of Main Street Stockbridge — how to avoid killing the goose that laid the golden egg.

Finally, I want to thank Joshua Hall of the Stockbridge Library Museum & Archives for scanning the report so we could link to it. If you’d like to read it, just visit: https://stockbridgeupdates.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Olmsted-Stockbridge.pdf.

by Carole Owens , Managing Editor

News

Notes from the Historic Preservation Commission, September 19, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Carl Sprague, Chair
• Peter Williams
• Jorja Marsden via Zoom

1. Minutes approved as written
2. Permission to tear down a portion of 1969 house in Beachwood and repair and add on.
3. Owner Mike Martin and architect Anthony Barnaba (Blueline Design)
4. The plans add a 20 x 24′ room built slab-on-grade. It will also add a second story
5. Chair moved that no historic significance and alterations within reason. Move to permit — passed

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Select Board (SB) Meeting, September 22, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Patrick White, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Jamie Minacci
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Others present named if they spoke

1. White called the meeting to order and thanked Hugh Page and Michael Canales for their efforts on behalf of the Josh Billings RunAground.
2. White answered two questions asked about Pine Woods at the last SB meeting
   1. How many children live at Pine Woods? 25
   2. What is the schedule for repaving driveway? Work will begin this fall and be completed next summer — problem is that it is “as if paving over water” — so have to wait for dry periods to do work
3. White asked for public comments. Michael Roisman rose and said he voted for all three selectmen present but expressed his disappointment that Cardillo and Minacci did not seem to be representing the primary residents of Stockbridge. He was shocked that at the last SB meeting, Cardillo and Minacci said they would never vote for the Residential Tax Exemption (RTE) although the vote is not scheduled until the tax classification hearing hopefully in October. Roisman expressed disappointment that their announcement cut off all discussion. He closed by noting that Minacci read from a piece of paper making it appear she came prepared to express her opposition to RTE.
4. White opened the Public Hearing for a Special Permit at 38 Lake Drive. Brent White of White Engineering and Attorney Nick Arienti appeared on behalf of the owners. The permit was for tearing down a house and building new on a preexisting nonconforming lot. Approved unanimously.
5. White introduced Jessie Cooley from Berkshire Community Action Commission (BCAC). There is money available for weatherizing houses in Stockbridge. Depending upon income up to 100% of costs may be paid. In order to qualify…
   1. First an energy audit to determine needs
   2. Next a determination if there are any barriers to implementing recommended plan
   3. There is money for weatherizing but not removing barriers such as necessary roof work to be completed before insulation or clutter or other obstructions to entering and doing work
   4. 5 homes in Stockbridge are “ready to go” but need additional funds to remove barriers — $12-16,000
   5. White suggested the SB approve the money and that it come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA—federal funds) as it was in Pittsfield and other Bekrshire towns
   6. Cardillo wanted to wait; perhaps get approval from Town Meeting. However, this is in May when the heating season would be over
   7. Minacci said, “don’t we have to follow the rules/law?”
   8. White made a motion to approve the needed funds conditional on calling Town Counsel — passed unanimously
6. White suggested an Intern Program for Monument Mt. students interested in working in government. Roughly 7.5 hours/week. Motion made to do it on a Pilot Program basis and evaluate — passed
7. Matt Boudreau, Chair of the Agricultural and Forestry Commission came before the SB to request $10,000 to kickstart a Stockbridge Farmer’s Market. Since many towns are ahead of us and have markets, Boudreau suggested we offer a vendor’s stand at no charge in the first year. Also, that we have it in the evening like a stop on the way from work to cooking dinner. White and Cardillo seemed positively disposed, but Canales wanted to sit down with Boudreau and “dot the I’s and cross the t’s.”
8. White announced that the original request from the Regional School District was for $15,000 per town to complete their study. Now, however, there appears to be other sources of funding so it may be much less.
9. The special Select Board meeting to discuss the Main Street Redesign will be October 17 5:30pm and determine whether a Special Town Meeting will take place.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from Parks and Recreation P/R, September 20, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Steven Knopf, Chair
• Nick Fredsall
• Nicole Fairaux

1. Meet four goals for Town Beach parking lot — complete garden, signage, fencing, and engineering
   1. Monument Mountain High School will do the gardens
   2. Canales wished the teacher in charge to work with someone other than Parks and Rec but they preferred to meet and solidify garden design
   3. Signage to include “front-in parking only”, handicapped parking, directional signs to discourage folks from driving over grassy areas, sign saying “not a boat launch”, and moving sign on road that says “Town Beach”.
   4. Foresight will do shoreline engineering
   5. Hugh Page suggested placement of stone and asked if committee preferred granite, Goshen or other. Will bring photos and select at next meeting
   6. Guardrails will be pressure treated wood
2. More business
   1. Contact tree warden to remove dead trees
   2. Go through steps to close beach
   3. Kayak racks to be replaced. White wanted to know is security necessary? Fredsall asked are security lights a good idea?
   4. Playground — Canales said benches in bad shape and probably need replacing. Knopf reminded Canales there was money for new benches and was approved to order 4 benches and 4 picnic tables. Asked, where are they? Canales did not order them but will.
   5. Nicole proposed a monthly meeting of Parks and Rec and suggested Monday — agreed

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors, September 19, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Michael Blay, Assessor
• Tammy Toupence, Secretary
• Tom Stokes
• Doug Goudey via Zoom

1. 2023 Certification of Values based on 2021 sales approved by Commonwealth Department of Revenue(DOR) This is the preliminary certification to allow process to continue.
2. Preliminary certification is followed by Public Disclosure of the values — probably at end of October. People with zip code outside 01262 will receive a letter — people with 01262 zip code can see results at Library and Assessor’s office. Disclosure will show last year’s valuation and this year’s.
3. If anyone challenges valuation — it will not be changed but can request an abatement
4. The Tax Classification Hearing cannot be held until the certification process is complete and final certification is granted. Blay hopes the Hearing will be in October but it is dependent on how fast DOR issues final certification.
5. CL1 (Charter Land forms) are due October 1. These forms are required for certified charter lands including forest, farm, or recreational lands etc.
6. Blay will have to order additional supplies for the disclosure of valuations
7. Letter with 14 questions went to Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum to help determine if thy qualify to be tax exempt

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Kampoosa Bog Stewardship Committee, September 19, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Laura Beasley, Chair
• Louise Gachet, Secretary
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Rich Bradway
• Arthur Dutil
• Also present: Patrick White

1. The Kampoosa Bog Stewardship Committee was discontinued ten or more years ago according to Arthur Dutil who served then and is serving now.
2. Kampoosa Bog is in both Lee and Stockbridge although the largest portion is in Stockbridge.
3. Beasley had a copy of the Resource Management Plan of 1997 and noted the list of “stakeholders” including — Mass Department of Environmental Protection, Mass Highway Department and Turnpike Authority, Mass Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species, as well as Lee and Stockbridge Land Trusts, ConCom in both towns, and abutters
4. Important to inform abutters that their property is in an Area of Critical Concern and what that means for them in terms of regulations — suggested to write a letter soon
5. Chair wished to find as many of the original documents including the Committee charter
6. Dutil and Bradway volunteered to search
7. Chair also wished to contact those with organizational memory and Bozzuto and White volunteered to make calls
8. White shared that there are grants and agencies of the Commonwealth apparently granting funds for investigation of Kampoosa Bog. Before Town spends money, it should follow up and see what Commonwealth has already done and for what they have grants available
9. There was an idea about inviting others to join the committee or to attend committee meetings
10. Bradway wanted to be clear on Open Meeting Law. For example, can they meet in private? The committee has 6 members so 4 is a quorum and 4 or more cannot meet except in a public meeting.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Board of Health, September 16, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Charlie Kenny, Chair
• Jim Wilusz, Director, Tri-town Health
• Hank Schwerner, via Zoom
• John Loiodice, via Zoom

1. Minutes approved as corrected
2. Open for public comments — no comments
3. Cyanobacteria procedures mandated by the Commonwealth
   1. Observation
   2. Health Department issues advisory (closes lake)
   3. Bloom disappears then test for toxicity (water sampling)
   4. If below dangerous threshold (determined by sampling)
   5. Health Department lifts advisory
   6. Some additional points: the bloom is often pictured as red but can be blue-green
4. Led by Austen Riggs, hosted by Marians, Board of Health had a meeting to discuss mental health effects of COVID19
   1. Riggs thought it was a success therefore a follow-up would be scheduled
   2. Charlie will discuss with folks involved and report back
5. Wilusz reminded all to get flu shot and COVID19 booster
6. Wilusz reported only 6 COVID19 cases in Stockbridge
7. Even after conquering it once, so many decided against vaccine that Polio is recurring and is being monitored

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Conservation Commission (ConCom), September 13, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Ron Brouker, Chair, via Zoom
• John Hart
• Sally Underwood-Miller
• Joe DeGiorgis
• Jamie Minacci
• Tom LaBelle
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Chuck Kohrer
• William Loutrel
• David Cameron, Consultant from Fleetwood
• Others present identified if they speak

1. Approval of the minutes postponed
2. Work on slope at Naumkeag is “non jurisdictional”
   1. unless the amount of land disturbed is over 10,000 (? Feet?) then Naumkeag would have to apply to ConCom for permit
   2. Underwood-Miller visited site anyway — learned work is to repair and extend sidewalk which will require cutting down apple trees; those threes will be replaced; a new pollinator garden installed, and erosion control work done
3. Miriam Harvey purchased 28 Beachwood from Gregg Wellenkamp.
   1. The outstanding issue with Wellenkamp — he cut trees in the buffer zone of wetland without a permit and was required to replant but never complied
   2. New owner is now complying — will plant five trees in the designated area.
   3. LaBelle asked — how was property transferred with ConCom lien attached to deed? title? Harvey did not know — never heard of the issue prior to settlement
   4. LaBelle was disappointed there was no enforcement
   5. Voted to close the issue
4. Underwood-Miller is working on what is necessary to issue Annie Selke a Certificate of Compliance — the problem is the property is not entirely in Stockbridge — part in Lenox
5. David Cameron, Fleetwood Consultants, working on 12 Larrywaug Crossroad and will send report shortly (SU Vol III #17 — ConCom requested Peer Review by Fleetwood to determine the “resource area”)
6. Kiernon Yaple from Race Mountain Tree Services reporting on property on Lake next to Boat House.
   1. There was clear cutting and clearing of undergrowth “down to dirt” without a permit.
   2. Remediation requires replanting
   3. Question: how and why was this done without a permit?
   4. When will they have a restorative plan? Race Mountain does not do planting — Whalen does
   5. Requested Whalen and property manager be present at next meeting
7. 11 Wheatleigh Drive clear cut to water (Lily Pond)
   1. New owner
   2. Perhaps site visit and discuss
   3. They will be responsible for restoration plan
8. Mentioned new Kampoosa Bog Committee — Bozzuto and Hart are members — pleased it is up and running
9. Voted to approve a Certificate of Compliance from 1997 — property is being sold and before transfer clearing title
10. It was reported that Haupt Tree Company was taking water from Konkapot Brook.
    1. Suggested letter to cease and desist. In order to take from streams, brooks and lakes in Stockbridge must appear before ConCom and apply
    2. Underwood-Miller suggested ConCom send the letter to all tree companies. Someone else suggested adding the pool companies
    3. Many concerns were raised: where else has the hose been? Is there a screen on hose to screen out “critters”? What if they drain a fire pond and a fire truck then needs the water?
    4. Cameron suggested an “enforcement letter” would get more attention
    5. Considering solutions, it was mentioned that the Town charges for filling up trucks with water — check with Michael Buffoni
       1. 108 Interlaken Road, owned by Wellenkamp, is for sale. Annie Selke expressed interest in purchasing and wanted to know what requirements? There is the oldest boathouse on the lake there and wetlands. Underwood-Miller is discussing with her.
       2. Performance Standards done and Town Counsel approved. Suggested that the consultants take a look before ConCom approves. Cameron said it would be fast turn around
11. Permit to cut trees in the common area at Mahkeenac Shores. Support for the idea — trees tagged

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the 5-Town Cable Advisory Committee, September 13, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Linda Miller, Chair, Lenox
• Anita Schwerner, Stockbridge
• Michael Canales, Stockbridge
• Patrick White, Stockbridge
• Dan Miller, Great Barrington
• Tom Hatch, Great Barrington
• Rene Wood, Sheffield
• Chris Britain, Lee

1. The 5 towns are Sheffield, Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lee and Lenox.
2. Miller called the Public Meeting to explain the steps in negotiating a new contract with Spectrum to order. The Commonwealth requires
   1. Ascertainment – determining the needs and level of satisfaction in community
   2. Negotiation
3. To ascertain, the Advisory Committee distributed a survey and received 500 responses. Summary of results:
   1. Displeasure in compliance with contract
   2. Displeasure with speed of complaint to resolution
   3. Rapid rise in monthly cost of cable without improvement in or expansion of service
4. The negotiation
   1. Important to note that since had no compliance problems with Time Warner, the Advisory Committee gave up the clause on noncompliance and damages. It was a mistake as there are problems of this nature with Spectrum
   2. Question: since Charter/Spectrum is a monopoly, what power do we have to negotiate?
   3. Two responses: this is a new process and other communities in the Berkshires are watching and perhaps a possibility to create a countywide association and more negotiating power
5. White asked: This is a 10-year contract and subscriptions are projected to go down significantly over the next ten years — since the Spectrum payment to CTSB is linked to number of subscribers (94cents/month per subscriber) — is there a plan for funding CTSB? Could five Select Boards vote to supplement CTSB budget
   1. Response from Wood: No, she is on Sheffield Select Board and will not ask them to supplement CTSB budget
   2. Response from Chair: since it is nonprofit there may be funding options — could investigate

Editor’s note: Chair recommended that all cable users that have complaints, write her. The Cable Advisory Committee cannot advocate on the behalf of users’ unless the committee has a written complaint.

News

Notes from the SBSC, September 16, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Patrick White
• Sally Underwood-Miller
• Jim Wilusz, Director Tri-Town Health
• Gary Kleinerman
• John Loiodice

1. Minutes accepted as corrected by Chair
2. Continued to go through the draft LMP. It will go to the consultants (GZA) next
3. Again, discussed water sampling, dredging, and external nutrient loading from septic systems. Chair iterated that sewer around the lake would be years away – Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) study and remediation to be finished first.
4. Restated importance of Dr. Coots’ annual aquatic plant survey and water sampling and testing
5. Voted to approve making annual aquatic plant survey part of the annual budget, however, decided not to make it specific to Dr. Coots or mention his name
6. Town and SBA share cost of hand pulling aquatic invasives such as water chestnut
7. No further report re: I&I or sewer
8. White made special “Thank you” to Michael Nathan for harvesting, and Hugh Page for mowing Gould Meadow prior to Josh Billings RunAground
9. Posting information around lake related to identifying water chestnut, decided to post at Zebra Mussel Station and also at 9 beaches around the lake

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC), September 2, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Patrick White
• Gary Kleinerman
• John Loiodice
• Michael Nathan
• Sally Underwood-Miller via Zoom
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator

1. Minutes approved as written
2. Continued work on review of Lake Management Plan (LMP) – SBSC to prepare summary for public consumption
3. White concerned that mitigation of cyanobacteria be prominent part of LMP. Cyanobacteria, in other communities, has had negative impact on recreation, quality of life, and property values.
4. Nathan concerned that Town of Stockbridge should be indicated as preparers of LMP (in some place Stockbridge Bowl Association – SBA — was indicated)
5. Underwood-Miller concerned that all abbreviations defined — both wanted the actual name of the lake (Lake Mahkeenac) used rather than Stockbridge Bowl
6. One concern was the external loading of nutrient in Lake – which come primarily from septic systems – putting sewer around lake would help with the problem – McCaffrey often repeats that that is not possible for a considerable period of time (years) for a variety of reasons
7. Underwood-Miller read document and marked passages with errors or that were unnecessarily confusing relative to Wetland Protection Act (state) and Stockbridge Wetlands Bylaw
8. Canales said Stockbridge received a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant – unclear how it related to the lake?
9. Coots/Aquatic plant monitoring, estimated $50,000 on hand-picking aquatic plants, and $6000 on Zebra Mussels (boat washing station) – costs are shared between state grants, Town funds, and SBA donations
10. Nathan was concerned that permit process for dredging go smoothly and be completed. He said he has been working on it for six years and there seemed to be continual roadblocks. Someone suggested call it “ecological restoration” rather than dredging.

Meeting adjourned

News

Events

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden —

…87th Annual Harvest Festival, an iconic Berkshire event — October 8 and 9, 10am – 5pm

2. Peak Time to Leaf Peek —

…No one likes to go out on a limb and state definitively when we will reach peak color, but there seems to be agreement that from October 1 – 15 is a great time to get out your camera and SU readers send in some colorful photos

3. Reopening of the Senior Center —

…A great time was had by all and Mazzeo’s served up good food to a packed crowd. Nice to see everyone

4. Christmas on Main Street is back! —

…Stockbridge, December 2 – 4 Buy your tickets now. Call 413- 298-5200 or Click the link: https://stockbridgechamber.org/

News

SU FYI

1. The Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives —

…would like to extend a request for participation in our community survey. Whether you visit the Library every week or haven’t been in since you were a kid, we’d love to hear from you! The survey is available at stockbridgelibrary.org. Paper copies are available at the Library. Thank you in advance for your input.

2. It’s Fall Flu/COVID19 Booster Clinic —

…Registration is now open for South County vaccine clinics. Stockbridge will host clinics on Tuesday, October 4th at Heaton Court, 10am-12pm and at Town Hall, 1-3pm.

• Flu shots will be available for anyone 3 and up
• Pfizer Bivalent COVID-19 Booster will be available for anyone 12 and up, who has already completed their primary vaccine series and had their last shot at least 2 months ago
• Short sleeves, insurance cards, and COVID vaccine cards will be required at the clinic. Questions or trouble registering? Contact Amy Hardt, amy@tritownhealth.org 413-717-7026. This clinic is being offered by the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative, www.sb-phc.org.

Both flu and the updated COVID booster shots can be given on the same day. Unfortunately, we will not have egg-free or nasal mist formulations, although they are preservative-free.

Register online here: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/tritown

3. Frequently Asked Questions about 2022 Vaccinations —

…Who needs a flu shot? Everybody! We are expecting this to be a major flu year. Since flu cases were much lower the past couple years with all the distancing and masking, most of us did not develop any natural protection against the flu. Plus, every year there are new flu variants our bodies have not encountered before.

Who needs a Bivalent Booster for COVID? Eligible individuals (see above) are recommended to get the updated booster this fall to reduce their risk of a new COVID infection. Even if an individuals’ risk for severe symptoms with COVID is low, the need to isolate at home for 5 days with this illness can greatly disrupt households, classrooms, workplaces, and even mental health.

Individuals with the highest chances of getting COVID this fall/winter include:

• Anyone who hasn’t had COVID since January 2022, and even those whose COVID illness was 4 months ago
• Anyone who hasn’t gotten a COVID booster shot in the past 3 months
• Anyone who has difficulty mounting a strong immune response to the vaccine or natural infection (usually due to being 65+ years or having certain health conditions)

In-home vaccine appointments are being scheduled for those who are eligible. If you or someone you know cannot attend a vaccine clinic due to health or disability issues, contact Amy Hardt, (413) 717-7026 or amy@tritownhealth.org to set up a time for nursing staff to come out.

4. Housatonic VFW Saturday —

…October 1 9:30am – 1:00pm 16 Cone Avenue Housatonic

The program will be a detailed presentation of Federal and State VA benefits that include but are not limited to: PACT Act, Caregiver Support Program, and State Benefits

Presenter: VA Representatives and Steven Schultze, Case Manager Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC, Retired

A question-and-answer session will follow. Light refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by: American Legion Post 298 and VFW Post 8183 of Housatonic. All veterans are encouraged to attend. Important: All veterans please bring a copy of your DD214.

Reader to Reader

Reader to Reader

Carole,

I’ve followed your work and enjoy your research and insights. We are Stockbridge “interlopers” (23 years) while I still direct a surgical division at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in Manhattan. And that’s where I’m going with this missive. I’ve researched, written, and lectured on a number of historical personalities… so, here’s my question. I read your 2017 article regarding the Delafield’s and their historical relationship to the Berkshires and wondered whether this is part of the same Delafield family of the early 19th century in NYC who founded the very hospital (1820) I’m presently a surgical director; The oldest specialty hospital in America — founded by Edward Delafield and John Kearny Rodgers. Appreciate your time.

Regards,

Richard Koplin, MD

Dear Dr. Koplin,

Aren’t you wonderful with all you do!!!! I believe the answer is yes and will try to research it to be sure. If you are at E&E perhaps you knew or worked with my dear Papa — Dr Jerome Schein??

Thank you for being in touch.

Carole

Carole,

Thanks for your response. Your dad was a renowned professor at NYU, and I knew his name … Your father’s name loomed large in the area of deafness, both age related bone and congenital deafness. Apparently you inherited his inquisitive nature.

Richard Koplin

Carole,

I applaud your commentary today. I miss the spirit of compromise and humor that Mary embodied. Today it seems that those who disagree assume that their opponents’ motives are suspect and their ethics are questionable!

Phil Deely

Carole,

THE SILVER LINING OF THE RTE DEBATE

For anyone who missed the Berkshire Eagle’s editorial on September 14, 2022, entitled, “In Stockbridge, a heated issue is resolved in unity,” it is worth repeating that, regardless of which side of the RTE debate a person was on, the real winner was democracy. In our highly-charged political system, where it seems that elected leaders cast their votes solely based which side is in favor and which is opposed, and without regard for whether or not a program or law will benefit their constituents, it is refreshing to see elected leaders who actually listen to what those affected have to say, and then act according to the will of the people. As eloquently stated by the Eagle’s Editorial Board, “it’s worth acknowledging that the spirit of democracy spoke in Stockbridge, and the leaders of the town’s top board listened, defusing the potential for more unnecessary divisiveness. That victory for unity is worth celebrating.”

Michael A. Freeman

Opinion

How can MA voters help communities across the state fund their transportation and education needs?

The answer is that on November 8 Massachusetts voters need to vote Yes on Question #1, The Fair Share Amendment. The Fair Share Amendment creates an additional tax of 4 cents on every dollar of personal income over $1 million in addition to the flat rate tax. Over 99% of taxpayers will not pay any additional tax. It’s time for millionaires to pay their fair share of taxes for the common good. The additional revenue collected can constitutionally be spent only on transportation and public education. The Department of Revenue estimates that the state will receive approximately $2 billion a year from the Fair Share Amendment.

Communities across the state are struggling to find a way to increase revenue other than through property taxes and local fees. The Fair Share Amendment is a solution that will provide an ongoing sustainable source of funding for public education and transportation. The infrastructure funding can be used to improve and repair roads, bridges, tunnels and public transportation. Funding for public schools from pre-K through higher education will be available for repairs to schools, educational programs, fair salaries for staff and teachers as well as higher education tuition.

These are issues that are being felt statewide and Berkshire County is no exception. The MA Department of Transportation’s database identifies 644 structurally deficient bridges in the state. According to an 8/31/2022 MA Budget & Policy Center report “the Berkshire and Hill Towns contain 1,116 bridges, of which 91 (7.5%) are structurally deficient.” Driving locally I see ongoing road work as well as bridges that have been under repair and/or closed for years. It’s possible that some bridges may never be repaired, for example the historic Curtisville Bridge in Stockbridge.

In rural areas where the population is spread out, the regional transportation system is often insufficient for those who don’t drive. An increase in reliable transportation systems would improve job opportunities as well as the ability to get to essential services.

Passage of the Fair Share Amendment will provide the ongoing funding that is needed statewide for transportation and public education.

Vote yes on Question #1 and help pass the Fair Share Amendment!! Your vote will make a difference.

by Anita Schwerner

Perspective

The September 2022 Update from RSDPB

8-Town Regional School District Planning Board

Our update this month is about the educational visioning that we are spearheading as we continue to develop the merger model recommended by our research team — namely, merging the Berkshire Hills Regional School District and the Southern Berkshire Regional School District into a single preK-12 district, maintaining all existing elementary and middle schools as they are, but creating a new merged 9-12 high school to be built on the Great Barrington campus.

We will invite faculty/staff from both districts, as well as other key stakeholders, including students, community members, employers, and parents, to participate in educational visioning. We feel it is important that this work include a range of perspectives and voices.

The goal of the educational visioning will be to:

• consider options for how a combined 8-town district would deliver educational programming;
• create opportunities for the two districts to learn more about each other; and
• build a shared sense of ownership in creating an educational vision for an 8-town region.

The work will be organized by the following grade spans: (i) elementary grades (prekindergarten- Grade 4); (ii) middle grades (Grades 5 – 8); (iii) high school (Grades 9-12); and (iv) Career Vocational Technical

Education and Career Pathways (CVTE). Because the model under consideration would involve no change to grades pK-8, the aim of the elementary and middle grades working groups will be to better understand and explore how the schools, grade level teams, and teachers are approaching teaching and learning now. In doing so, similarities, differences, and possibilities will be considered.

The high school and CVTE groups will focus on building an educational vision for a shared/new high school, looking at programs and courses, instructional approaches, and student experiences that would engage and challenge all students.

The RSDPB views educational visioning as an important part of providing an opportunity for the two districts (the 8 towns) to design and build together a new district with common purpose. Neither district would be absorbed into the other; rather, the goal would be to create a new district with a new identity that would be the source of 8 town community pride. The work of each group will be guided by a steering committee that will research and evaluate possibilities, culminating in a convening that will include a broad representation of school and community stakeholders.

In addition to our educational visioning work, the RSDPB continues its deeper dive into transportation and other issues requiring further research, work on a possible 8 town regional school district agreement, community outreach, and advocacy to our state representatives for financial and other support. We encourage those interested to attend our board and subcommittee meetings and visit our website at www.8towns.org. We welcome your thoughts, and we encourage your active participation in this important initiative.

GET THE FACTS. BE INFORMED. YOU DECIDE.

Perspective

What is Kampoosa Bog?

The first part is largely reprinted from the Commonwealth’s mass.gov website. The infographic and article were written by Patrick White

Kampoosa Bog Drainage Basin ACEC

Approximate Acreage: 1,350
Watershed(s): Housatonic
Municipalities: Lee, Stockbridge

The Kampoosa Bog Drainage Basin has been identified by the Commonwealth as an Area of Critical Enviromental Concern (ACEC). The calcareous fen is approximately 1,350 acres in size and is located in the towns of Stockbridge (1,125 acres) and Lee (225 acres). The Kampoosa drainage basin is part of the larger Housatonic River watershed.

The heart of the ACEC is Kampoosa Bog and its associated surface waters, wetlands, groundwater and rare species habitat. Scientifically, Kampoosa is not a bog, but a fen, contained in a small basin (the Kampoosa drainage basin), with an inflow of calcareous cold groundwater. Scientists refer to Kampoosa Bog technically as a Lake Basin Graminoid (grass-like) Calcareous Fen. Due to the critical ecological importance of surface and ground water to the fen and the high concentration of rare species found there, the boundary of the ACEC is designed to approximate the sub-drainage basin of Kampoosa Bog.

The Kampoosa Bog ACEC contains one of the Commonwealth’s most significant rare species habitats. The fen and adjacent areas within the ACEC provide habitat for at least 19 state-listed rare species, within a relatively small area of 1,350 acres. According to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Kampoosa Bog supports not only a very high number of state-listed rare species, but provides habitat for several rare species that are found at very few other sites in Massachusetts. According to the Natural Heritage Program, “preserving the integrity of this calcareous fen is critical to maintaining one of the premier rare species sites in Massachusetts.” The Nature Conservancy has given Kampoosa a global ranking in terms of its significance, meaning it is imperiled throughout its range due to rarity or highly vulnerable to extinction due to biological factors, and requires “the highest priority for protection.”

Highly significant archaeological resources are also located within the ACEC, determined by the Massachusetts Historical Commission as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Following ACEC designation, the Kampoosa Stewardship Committee was formed by a variety of local, regional and state private and public agencies and organizations, as well as interested citizens, to preserve and restore the resources of the ACEC by fostering community stewardship.

Water bodies included (partially or entirely) in the ACEC

Lakes, Ponds: Kampoosa Pond (Stockbridge); other small, unnamed ponds (Stockbridge, Lee)

Brooks, Creeks: Kampoosa Brook, Marsh Brook (Stockbridge), other small, unnamed brooks (Stockbridge)

Rebuilding the Kampoosa Bog Stewardship Committee

Judy Spencer was one of the key drivers to steward the Bog, and she, Arthur Dutil, Jess Toro and many others made great contributions to the management of not only the Bog but the large group of stakeholders that must be coordinated.

These include Mass DOT to confirm they are using reduced salt strategies, NHESP for long-term research and treatment of the Phragmites, abutters who are the eyes and ears and can give us a heads up if something seems remiss, as Roberta Skowron has on multiple occasions.

With her passing in 2011, the Committee disbanded and the stewardship largely stopped. With Ice Glen, we witnessed how a lack of forest planning can have grave consequences for a natural treasure. Organizations can’t leave issues unaddressed for 10-15 years without losing a lot of institutional memory.

We will have to wait and see what damage is done and celebrate the folks who want to get the Kampoosa stewardship efforts back on track.

I am quite pleased that yet another area where the town had lost its resolve to get things done, the narrative is changing and seems to be giving way to an attitude of teamwork and renewal. In the past few years, we have revived the Agricultural and Forestry, launched a Housing Trust Fund, rekindled the Kampers, and expanded our efforts in climate with the MVP program. Oh, and we are trying to build a new high school, fix our bridges, and do all of the day-to-day that is required to manage the town.

We’ve gone from a town where we were having trouble finding volunteers to serve, to where we are easily filling all the positions.

A friend of mine says, “many hands make light work.” Ain’t that the truth.

by Patrick White