There was other news even in the midst of the major happenings in Stockbridge. There was the Community Preservation Committee meeting to discus financial support of maintaining open land. They found in the affirmative and conditionally pledged money.

There was a Planning Board meeting to discuss the ground water issue. Denny Alsop was present.

There was a statewide meeting in Holyoke that gathered representatives displeased with aspects of the Climate legislation passed at the end of 2024. They were concerned about removal of local control over zoning.

There was a Select Board meeting with only one agenda item: to undercut the Citizen’s Petion at Article 17 of the Warrant. Between 78 and 100 people attended — maybe a record and convinced the SB to allow the voters to discuss and decide and not to undercut the democratic process by deciding prematurely to release the Right of First Refusal.

There was an additional Public Meeting re: Desisto where they continued to negotiate terms — reducing lawn parking and building sizes and increasing land given into conservation and offering $460,000 per Inclusionary Bylaw although they were not obliged to pay it

There is a mega-building at The Marian’s on Prospect Hill Road flying under the radar

All of these meetings deserve to and will be reported in full — but not this week. This week — stay cool and hydrated in preparation for the onslaught of important meetings. I hate the misuse of the word existential — let’s just call it a watershed moment.