Chair Patrick White chose not to read the statement about Citizen Speak as read by other Chairs, but instead, simply said questions and comments were welcome. He then called for acceptance of the minutes.
The agenda included a request from the Riverbrook School for money. This was continued to next meeting pending review by Town Counsel.
A request from Construct for money to repair the roof at Pine Woods — that is — replace solar panels four at a time for a total of $90,000. Passed.
Second request from Construct to augment the fund for Emergency Rent Assistance. This is a one-time grant when a renter has an emergency. Evidently this is a program available in Lee, Lenox, and Great Barrington. Sheffield has a similar, but not exact, program called “The Good Samaritan Program. Construct is now proposing that Stockbridge should offer the program and fund it. Apparently, last year there were requests for this assistance.
Passed subject to approval by the Community Preservation Committee.
This led to a discussion of whether AHT would consider mortgage payment assistance on the same basis. It would be a one-time payment granted in an emergency situation. How would people find out about the program? Would there be a ceiling on amount that could be granted to any recipient?
Last, the Stockbridge Housing at Heaton Court requested money to repair decks.
The next agenda item was discussion of “new directions.” The Chair explained that the Glendale Middle Road proposed project to build affordable housing “did not work out.” The apartment purchase on Pine Street, another proposed project in the first years of AHT existence, was too expensive. White suggested a mixed use development of 40 — 60 units in the Stockbridge Industrial Park might be possible.
He also proposed subsidizing purchase of affordable home not in Stockbridge but for Stockbridge residents. “A down payment in Pittsfield for a family when the people work in Stockbridge, for example.” He added, “Why not?” It is a regional approach.
Editor’s note: Approval by CPC was mentioned as all money in the AHT account was granted by CPC over the last couple of years and carries conditions.
