In the many years I lived in Stockbridge, I have been so impressed with the intelligence of the zoning and planning decisions Stockbridge made. Look at the result – in the 21st century, Stockbridge is less crowded, safer, cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful than many parts of this great country. That was no accident. I think the main reason I stand firmly against the seasonal communities designation is that we will lose control over our own future. In Stockbridge that is a high price to pay. If you vote for the seasonal communities designation, control shifts from Stockbridge to Boston.

“The act aims to limit local governments’ ability to set zoning laws and regulations. Local communities could lose input on housing developments in their areas. The act may prioritize state or federal guidelines over local needs. Potential for increased housing density without local consent or planning. Advocates argue it addresses housing shortages, while critics fear loss of local governance.”

What Would Stockbridge Do?

Thanks to Stockbridge-ma-gov, we know that the population of Stockbridge, including Interlaken, and Glendale, is 1,846 permanent residents. The land area is 23.7 square miles. New York City is 22.7 square miles with a population of 1,700,515. Those are extreme examples, but they allow us to imagine the impact density has on the cost of living, cost of governing as well as lifestyle, health, and safety.

The median age of Stockbridge residents is 61.9 years, and the median household income is $50,257. Statewide, the median age is 40 years and median household income of $85,000. We are simply older and poorer. Our average annual property tax for a single-family home is $5,717. The property tax rate is $7.37 per $1,000 of assessed value — one of the lowest in the county and the state. However, that is where Stockbridge being “less than” ends.

The average home price in Stockbridge is $775,646 compared to $638,500 statewide. Stockbridge has high house prices; too expensive for an older, poorer population to purchase. However, they don’t have to. Our older, poorer population are our homeowners.

Now add in the seasonal residents – our population rises to almost 4,000 with a median income over $125,000. That creates more competition for housing from a population able to pay more and able to improve what they purchase. Therefore, purchase prices rise. As the cost of everything goes up, purchase and maintenance of a house, a two-pronged problem emerges: the ability of young people to buy a house in Stockbridge and the ability of older people to hold onto their houses.

So, given the stats, exactly what is the housing problem we are trying to solve? Is it that we want younger people to be able to afford to buy houses? Do we want older folks to be able to afford to stay in their homes? Do we want folks of any age who work here to live here? Do we want to build adequate affordable housing or do we want to maintain low density? Can we do it all or do we have to choose?

Feel the Squeeze?

Unfortunately, the problems are inexorably linked. Affordable housing is subsidized housing. The difference between what an affordable house can be built for and what it can be sold for is paid for by our taxes. We know the cost of necessities is rising – gas, heat, food, medicine. With a median age of 69.1, incomes may be fixed. As all cost rise and taxes go up, we have to be careful not to price homeowners out of their homes in an effort to put others into a home.

Those who offer a quick fix, the magic bullet, and the best idea, are blind to the unintended consequences or wish us to be. Seasonal Communities designation was designed for and urged by the islands in Eastern Massachusetts. It doesn’t fit us very well. We have 900 square miles in Berkshire County, we are not limited in land mass or surrounded by water.

We do not have to choose between two things when we want both. For example, we don’t have to build affordable housing, we can renovate. We are awash in empty buildings and vacant houses. We can improve transportation so people can live and work further apart and still be Berkshire residents working in the Berkshires. We have time and we have choice.

Carole Owens
Executive Editor