Notes from the Planning Board, September 15, 2026, Hybrid meeting
The owner of two lots – 20A Goodrich and 14 Cherry Hill Road – wished to reconfigure the acreage. The request was submitted to Town Counsel who reported that the proposed 6 lots would result in three unbuildable lots (lots 4, 5 and 6) and three lots (1,2, and 3) that were non-conforming. The reconfiguration was approved.
Notes from the Board of Assessors, September 15, 2026, Hybrid meeting
According to the Town Assessor the increase in real estate sales was by style. That is, condos increased more based on the 12 sales during the year. The Assessor characterized It as a strong market with overall sales analysis was “almost identical” to last year. New growth about the same.
Notes from the Select Board, September 17, 2026, Hybrid meeting
Public Comment is at the start of the meeting. Anita Schwerner asked about that part of the Affordable Homes Act that deals with Seasonal Communities. Other stown so designated voted on whether or not to accept the designation at their 2026 Town Meetings, but Stockbridge did not have Seasonal Community on the Warrant. Schwerner asked how it would be treated: would there be a public information session? Would there be a Special Town Meeting? The Seasonal Community designation must be accepted by the Town at a Town Meeting and Schwerner wanted to know how that might happen. She also mentioned Residential Tax Exemption (RTE) — will it be voted on this year?
Without warning, The Connector has changed service. The SB wants to know if people are getting the rides they need.
At our current firehouse, folks have cut through Shamrock and Vine to Route 7. Town wants that to stop. With all the new hires, paid firemen and EMTs, in the parking lot, it is deemed a 3. public safety. The SB approved signs be posted.
With respect to Tuckerman Bridge, some state requirements would cause it to be made much bigger. Stockbridge is negotiating with State to avoid that.
Jorja Marsden announced that the Fire Chief Vini Garofoli is stepping down October 31, 2026. Evidently he is on vacation until that date. Resignation accepted by SB.
The conversation that followed was about an Interim Chief to do administrative work and the Asst Chiefs to take over operations until a new chief could be found.
Editor’s note: 1. By law, the Select Board must vote annually on RTE as part of the Tax Classification Hearing that usually takes place in October. 2. SU contacted Garofoli for a comment of the resignation – no answer as of this issue. 3. The SB takes the position that they cannot discuss or answer any questions brought up during Public Comment since the topics are not on the agenda. So, no one answered Schwerner.
