Hi Carole,

I appreciated, really appreciate, your concern for keeping the Berkshires as they are and for preserving our green open spaces. Yet I wonder why in that lovely essay of yours, you did not mention the BNRC, which has been doing such a spectacular job in just that way. It’s not clear to me whether the organization that you hope will get founded would be a competitor or not. I myself worry that competition in such a thing might divert attention rather than create it.

Peter L. Strauss

Dear Peter,

Thank you for your kind words and support for the initiative that means so much to me. I agree with your concern about competitiveness. Berkshire Preservation Inc (BPI) holds a policy of cooperation. For example, I met with the owner of a beautiful 40-acre parcel, was given a tour, and told it was available. I invited a group of donors to discuss the merits of purchase at a Sunday afternoon meeting. The owner called that morning and shared that Patrick White intervened on behalf of another nonprofit interested in the purchase. I cancelled the meeting and left the field open to the nonprofit Patrick mentioned. If they buy it, I will be very pleased. If that nonprofit passes on the purchase, BPI will step back in.

You also mentioned Berkshire Natural Resources Commission (BNRC). Let me add Stockbridge Land Trust (SLT), Laurel Hill Association (LHA), the Conservation Commission, and the Community Preservation Committee. During the possible purchase of the vacant land on Interlaken Cross Road, SLT and LHA expressed more interest in managing land and overseeing the Conservation Restrictions (CR), than in purchasing land. BNRC also manages land and can hold a CR as can the two government committees mentioned. BPI cannot hold a CR nor is it organized to manage land so there is a natural and complimentary fit.

Again, thank you, Carole

Carole,

Thank you so, so, much [for the] beautiful writing. I’m very grateful…thank you so much for your time and for your insight. U r a wonderful writer. I wish I had seen them earlier – they would’ve given me a boost of confidence which I am receiving from you now.

PS I’m voice texting while driving, but I wanted to respond as soon as I had a chance! Xoxx Alison Larkin

Dear Alison,

With great joy and gratitude for your talent and willingness to go where few have gone before, I advise, everyone, go see Grief: A Comedy. It is a jewel.

Carole

To Jamie and Chuck,

Please add my name to the people who would like to have the Public Comment be included on the select board meeting agenda.

Actually, I am amazed it was taken out of meetings in the first place. Three minutes sounds like a reasonable time to allow someone to speak.

At the last meeting there was plenty of time to bring up some questions that were on people’s minds.

Aside from our Highway Supt problem, the Tennis courts on Pine…courts [can be done] at nowhere near the numbers [cost] you are talking about.

Thank you

Editor’s note: Stockbridge Updates has a policy against posting anonymous letters but here we are. This anonymous letter is included because it is typical of other letters received wherein the author asked not to be identified. It is most important, more important than any SU policy, that no one in Stockbridge be afraid to voice their opinions openly and that all opinions are heard – they all help us reach the best conclusion.