There was no meeting on November 26 (Thanksgiving Day). However, at a previous meeting, Michael Canales, Town Administrator, made a presentation with respect to Entertainment permits and closing times.

Those who propose entertainments (e.g. plays, concerts and events) request permits from the town. In granting a permit, the town can place conditions.

Stockbridge residents near to entertainment venues are concerned about permitted closing times. To limit noise and congestion associated with entertainment, some residents would prefer an earlier closing.

However, Canales explained that there is a regulation that requires all entertainments in a residential-type zone to be granted the same closing time. In neighboring towns, Canales reported, most entertainment venues are in areas zoned for business. There is less possibility for conflict. In Stockbridge, Tanglewood, the Berkshire Theater Group, Norman Rockwell Museum and Naumkeag, for example, are all in areas zoned residential, as is the luxury Hotel Wheatleigh for their nightly outdoor entertainment. That places the needs and desires of the venues in possible conflict with those of the residents.

In seeking a solution, the town is restricted by the requirement to make the closing times uniform. So, for example, if a concert at Tanglewood closes at 11 p.m. other venues in residential areas would also have an 11 p.m. closing time.

The discussion was continued by the Select Board until December 9 to give residents, businesses and non-profits who will be impacted a chance to weigh in.