Introduction

Stockbridge Updates Statement of Purpose

To inform without opinions or pressure and give you the facts you need to make your own decisions.

To provide space for opinion, but since facts and opinions are different, to clearly mark opinion pieces, and clearly identify the opinion holder.

Stockbridge Updates is a periodic newsletter delivered through email.

Carole Owens, Editor

by Carole Owens, Editor

Editorial

What’s Your Pandemic Plan?

The Novel Coronavirus is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. It does not care who wins the election. It is not growing exponentially to make POTUS look bad; it is growing because we are not acting to contain it. This pandemic is the enemy of all mankind. It is attacking the United States, and the USA is losing.

We enjoyed an especially warm and wonderful fall. Our numbers were low, so others looked at the Berkshires as a safe haven. Now winter is closing in. The number of sick and dying across America is growing. New England knows how to plan for the cold and snow, but this year we must plan for more. How do we stay safe and sane?

We all need more than hunkering down to avoid infection. We need social interaction, exercise, intellectual activity, and many of us need income. So, Berkshires, what’s the plan?

In what way is social interaction safe? There are outdoor heaters — some propane, some fire pits — to facilitate get togethers in winter. Indoor socializing is considered safe if the CDC recommendations are observed — social distancing, masks, and small groups.

For physical and intellectual stimulation, there is always the Internet. Bridge and other games are online. Exercise classes, Ollie and other classes, town meetings, and more are available via Zoom. It lacks the joy of rubbing shoulders, but…

Create your own groups based on interests and needs. For example, parents newly burdened with home-schooling might create a support group via Zoom. Folks living alone can form a support group via Zoom. Ask pals what they need — the answer may be the first step to forming a support group via Zoom.

Make a schedule. Mapping out a week helps. Share out-of-house tasks such as shopping. Wear your mask, keep your distance, and monitor your health — act quickly to mitigate any symptoms. Stay well and stay warm.

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

News

Town News 10/31/2020

From the Select Board (SB) Meeting 10/22/2020

Karen Williams, Town Collector-Treasurer, is retiring. An ad will be placed for a replacement, a committee to review applications will be appointed, and the option of extending the hours from 32/week to 40/week discussed.

Review of plans to add a garage and deck to a house on Main Street. Some neighbors approved and others objected. The SB expressed hope that owner and neighbors can come to an agreement. The matter was continued until October 29.

Concern was expressed that weekend trash collection on Main and Elm Streets was stopped precipitately. Although this is done every year, in 2020, warm weather and increased tourist trade, caused more trash. Shops on Main and Elm complained that bins overflowed creating an unsightly streetscape. It was agreed that the Town Manager would monitor the situation and make sure trash bins are not overflowing. However, the select board did not vote to rescind the earlier vote stopping the weekend trash pickup.

There is an open meeting law in Massachusetts which means all select board meetings must be open to the public. There is an exception and that is Executive session. Executive session is closed to the public, and generally concerns personnel matters. The intent is to protect the privacy rights of the employee. Only the employee can request the session be open. Leonard Tisdale, highway superintendent, requested it be open.

However out of respect for Tisdale’s privacy rights, Stockbridge Updates will only report that there was a complaint and there was also support for Tisdale expressed by coworkers, friends and family. The matter was continued until October 29.

Editor’s Note: Work stopped on the Larrywaug Bridge because, in an abundance of caution, Stockbridge self-reported possible errors in the grant application and implementation to the grantor (the Commonwealth). Stockbridge also reported its plans for correcting any errors. A temporary work stoppage is commonplace in the circumstances.

Notes from the Select Board Meeting 10/29/2020

1. The owners of 9 Main and abutters came to an agreement, and the Select Board approved the plans as amended. The amendments increased the plantings and decreased the size of the deck. The Select Board added that the deck could not be enclosed. In addition, the neighbors requested an access fee for workers to go onto their property, and that they be indemnified against personal injury and property damage.

2. Highway Superintendent Leonard Tisdale requested the Select Board go into Executive session. The public meeting was adjourned.

On Friday October 30, 2020 Leonard Tisdale resigned.

Notes from the Planning Board

by Bruce Blair

The Planning Board’s agenda for the year is taking shape as Chairs Bill Vogt and Christine Rasmussen have set a goal for a revision of development zoning bylaws which govern building and land use in town by May of 2021.

Also on the agenda are updates or additions regarding short-term rentals, driveways, signs, downtown parking, downtown residential space, and Accessory Dwelling Units (added apartments or dwellings that share the same space with the primary residence).

Stockbridge residents have resisted housing subdivisions and cluster housing projects for many years, preferring individualized and incremental housing growth. Following the defeat of the large resort development at the site of the former DeSisto School on Rt 183, those favoring more intense business and housing development have developed support on the Planning Board and Finance Committee, believing that Stockbridge needs to change its approach to developers and building.

Residents have allotted considerable funds, outlined in the last issue of Updates, for consultation assistance to the Planning Board from outside professionals. This included a detailed Diagnostic Report from planning and land use expert Joel Russell, at a cost of $9,000. This was originally driven by the need to address issues around the Cottage Era Bylaw, which sought to protect historic housing but was a major barrier for the Desisto site developers.

Working closely with Planning Board members and town residents, Mr. Russell identified many of the items on the Board’s current agenda. He also concluded: “The basic idea of the Cottage Bylaw is sound in principle. The historic “cottages” that the Bylaw seeks to protect are highly valued and are a distinctive part of the Stockbridge’s history, culture, and physical attractiveness…The bylaw should not be a blank check that allows developers to do whatever they want to an historic estate, nor should it be so burdensome as to discourage a developer from trying to build a project that is good for the Town.” Mr. Russell provides numerous examples and options for residents to consider.

Regarding Mr. Russell’s report, Vice Chair Christine Rasmussen stated recently at a meeting: “People who have looked at what we produced, professional planners that I know, not from here, have said that they feel that the bylaw is going to be impossible to work with”. Ms. Rasmussen has yet to respond to two separate requests regarding who she has spoken with and what their findings were as related to the Russell report.

The Russell report provides residents with readable and objective information about options for the future of housing development and preserving the character of the town. It can be read by any resident on the town website: Russell Report

The new part-time planner for the Planning Board, a position the town voted funds for last May, has begun working on some of the agenda items. His name is Philip Arnold. He has a 2016 Masters Degree in City and Regional Planning with a concentration in sustainable community design. He has three years of work experience in planning.

Editor’s Note: Bruce attends all Planning Board meetings and is taking the opportunity to share his observations. Stockbridge Updates invites others, members of then PB or meeting attendees, to share their views. All views are enriching and welcome.

You can attend PB meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. via zoom. Go to Planningboard@townofstockbridge.org for directions on how to join the meeting.

News

Planning Board Special Program: Randall Arendt to Speak

Speaker: Randall Arendt

Topic: Open Space Residential Development: Preserving Networks of Conservation Lands in a Density-Neutral Way

Date/time: Nov 5, 2020, 7pm via Zoom

Click here to register in advance for this meeting

News

Judge Sides with the SBA

In the matter of Stockbridge Bowl Association, Inc. v. Town of Stockbridge Conservation Commission, et al. — Berkshire Superior Court Docket No. 1976CV00032 there was a hearing October 29, 2020 11 a.m. via Zoom.

According to Rebekah Lacey, attorney for the town, “Judge Agostini made clear that he is very skeptical of the Commission’s action and will likely find that at least some of the conditions of the bylaw remand permit are in contempt of his December 2019 order. He implied that he would take a narrow view of what conditions, if any, are consistent with his order. He also expressed a willingness to impose penalties if he does find the Commission to be in contempt. (The SBA has requested penalties of $1,000 per day.) Judge Agostini stated that he would issue a decision in about two weeks and that he encouraged the parties to reach a settlement before then.”

The public could not participate in the hearings but was able to listen into the audio portion of the proceedings.

News

Notes from Stockbridge Chamber

by Barbara Zanetti, Executive Director

Grants

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $50.8 million in grants available to support small businesses, microenterprises, and their employees, families and communities. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering these funds to businesses experiencing economic hardship and a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These funds were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) as well as the CARES Act of 2020 and are divided into two programs.

Grant funding is intended to help businesses adversely impacted by the pandemic. Preference will be given to small businesses whose owners are women, minorities, veterans, members of other underrepresented groups, who are focused on serving the Gateway Cities of Massachusetts, and those most negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Preference will also be given to applicants that have not been able to receive aid from other federal programs related to COVID-19.

Timeline: Application will be open for 3 weeks

10/22/2020 at 12:00 PM — Application opens.

11/12/2020 at 12:00 PM — Application closes.

Applicant Eligibility: Each program encompasses its own eligibility criteria. Applicants must review the information to determine which program to proceed with applying. For more information, please click here to visit the Berkshire Planning website.

PPP Forgiveness

The Small Business Administration and the Treasury Department announced a streamlined forgiveness process for the Paycheck Protection Program borrowers of $50,000 or less. Treasury also posted an update clarifying that the extended deferral period under the PPP Flexibility Act automatically applies to all PPP loans. Finally, the IRS announced that PPP forgiveness amounts are not to be included in a borrower’s gross income for federal income tax purposes and lenders should not issue a 1099 to borrowers for the PPP forgiveness amount.

For further information, click here to visit the US Treasury website.

To contact Barbara, send an email to: info@stockbridgechamber.org

by Barbara Zanetti, Executive Director

Around Town

Video: Dog Meets Bear, Stays Cool

by Lionel Delevingne

Around Town

Opening and Closing in the Time of Covid

Opening: Berkshire Natural Resources Council announces Accessible Trail Opens at Thomas & Palmer Brook, a 0.5-mile accessible loop trail at the Thomas & Palmer Brook reserve in Great Barrington. “From the trailhead, the path crosses the bridge, that spans Thomas & Palmer Brook, a tributary of the Housatonic River, then descends into a meadow where it becomes a loop trail.” It contains a forest, old apple orchard, two large sugar maples and two large boulders. www.bnrc.org

Closings: Harry and David’s and Bass Shoes are closing at the Lee Outlet Mall.

Real Estate

For Sale: Elm Court Goes Back on the Market

We apologize to our readers. Stockbridge Updates had the story of the sale of Elm Court ready for last issue and it was left on the cutting room floor. Travaasa put Elm Court on the market for a figure ($12.5 million) roughly equivalent to what they spent to date on purchase, stabilization, plan preparation, application process, and legal fees.

As reported in earlier issues of Stockbridge Updates, this is a hot real estate market. Is Travaasa testing the market to determine if it can quickly recuperate all expenses and move on? If they cannot sell for the asking price, will Travaasa continue with its development plans?

If they sell to a developer, will the approvals transfer to a new owner? Will Travaasa retain a part ownership to assure they do? Is the “sale” a way of attracting a development partner — an infusion of development money?

Miraval, the destination development arm of Hyatt, purchased Travaasa Austin (Texas) in 2016. After developing Cranwell, would Miraval be interested in Elm Court? Is there a buyer who wants Elm Court as a single-family home given its size and condition?

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

Perspective

History and Planning: a Visual

With respect to planning and development, Stockbridge is at a crossroads. Some believe development is good for Stockbridge; others believe the Stockbridge economy and easy living is a function of holding the line against development. Soon voters will be asked to decide. Therefore, this is a time to consider development choices, and there is an example next door.

Lenox was incorporated in 1767 and the first land grant recorded in the Colonial Proprietor’s Record Book on October 25, 1770 was “seventy-five acres to Timothy Way and Samuel Jerome.” For 33 years, the two men did nothing with the land.

On June 13, 1803, for the sum of $75, the hill was sold to Ezra Blossom — the Gaoler of Lenox (jailer/sheriff). Eleven years later, Blossom sold it. The 1814 advertisement describes what he did with the land: “Blossom Farm has a good orchard which makes about twenty barrels of cider annually…a house on the premises, nearly new and well-furnished, and a convenient barn and other out-buildings.” Blossom sold the land for $1200.

On April 30, 1850 Blossom Farm was sold to Charles Hotchkiss, Headmaster of the Lenox Academy for Boys. In September 1853, Hotchkiss sold to author and clergyman Henry Ward Beecher for $4500. Both men simply lived there in the Blossom farmhouse.

Standing on the brow of his hill, Beecher wrote, “From here I see the very hills of heaven”, and he claimed he could see “a range of sixty miles by the simple turn of the eye.”

For one hundred years there was no development; nonetheless the value of the land rose exponentially.

Beecher sold to General John F. Rathbone for $8000. Rathbone moved the farmhouse down the hill so that from his new house, Wyndhurst, he could enjoy the spectacular view. In 1882, for the tidy sum of $10,000 a part of the hill was sold to United States Naval Captain John

S. Barnes. Barnes built Coldbrooke designed by architects Peabody and Stearns and hired landscape architect Ernest Bowditch to design the gardens. Thereby after 212 years the density increased from one single family home to two.

Rathbone sold Wyndhurst to John Sloane for $50,000. Sloane razed the house but retained the name. At Wyndhurst he built a Tudor mansion of Perth Amboy brick designed by Peabody and Stearns. Sloane also built barns, greenhouses, and formal gardens. It was the new standard in Berkshire cottages.

By 1928, the party was over; the Gilded Age ended; the cottages relics of a former era. On the hill, an ambitious plan for a Berkshire Hunt Club combined three former estates — Wyndhurst, Coldbrooke and Blantyre. Coldbrooke became the “bachelor building” with fourteen bedrooms; Wyndhurst was the “clubhouse” plus a golf course and riding trails.

In 1933, the country was suffering the Great Depression, and the Club was swamped in debt. The land on the hill was sold for the $9000 due in taxes to Edward Cranwell. In 1939, Cranwell gave the property to the Jesuits to use as a school, and they named it Cranwell Preparatory School. They added a circular building for services and programs.

In the 1980s, the property was sold to create Cranwell Resort and Spa. A few townhouses were built below the lip of the hill —development was sparce, the view from the house, and of the house from the road, remained relatively unchanged.

In 2020, 250 years after the first land transfer, Miraval, the destination development arm of the Hyatt corporation, bought the hill and developed the property. Drive through. Form your own opinion. What they built probably could qualify as “open space development” because of the band of green surrounding the dense building. Decide if this is what you want for Stockbridge. Is this what you want our former cottages and other large tracts of undeveloped land in the village to look like? Is this what you want the population of Stockbridge to become? Either way be careful. Question development-speak. Listen for the percentage preserved and the percentage developed. Know the consequences of how you vote.

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

Perspective

Respect, Civility and the Social Contract

In these troubling times we need to remember the underpinnings of our democratic republic and renew our social contract.

A number of documents influenced our Constitution; the Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact and Common Sense by Thomas Payne, to name a few, along with John Locke’s philosophy of a social contract.

The Mayflower carried 102 passengers all of whom were NOT Pilgrims. When their impending landfall was north of their intended destination, dissention broke out between the Pilgrims and the “Strangers” regarding their legal position. The result was the Mayflower Compact, the heart of which follows:

“…Covenant and Combine ourselves together in a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.”

The promise of “All due submission and obedience” emphasizes the right of the majority rule for the general good and subsequent respect for the majority decision.

The Mayflower Compact was a successful foray into democratic rule for those early colonists in New England.

Respect for dissenting opinions appears to have evaporated recently; fear, loathing and distrust being the replacements.

Had the passengers on the Mayflower allowed fear and distrust to rule, would the United States be in existence today?

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a direct Mayflower descendant, said it best: the “Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”

Readers, please do not succumb to eruptions of chaos, distrust, disrespect and fear.

Renew our social contract.

Form your OWN opinions, RESPECT THOSE OF OTHERS; exercise your right and perform your civic responsibility — VOTE.

Editor’s Note: Roxanne is a member of the Stockbridge Select Board

by Roxanne McCaffrey

Photo Essay

Halloween Walk Through Gould Meadows

No tricks, but it sure was a treat to spend Halloween afternoon at Gould Meadows. Thanks to all of our volunteers who maintain this magical place. Here are a few glimpses of the afternoon. This jewel reveals something new with every visit.

by Patrick White

Analysis

Vote 2020

November 3: Election Day

Vote at Town Hall on November 3, 2020 from 7 A.M. – 8 P.M. Wear a mask and practice social distancing.

For information or assistance contact the Town Clerk Terri Iemolini at clerk@stockbridge-ma.gov or 298-4170 extension 251.

The Ballot 2020

On the ballot you may see a blank where you expect to see the name or names of candidates.

For example, on this ballot, there is no candidate listed for a Stockbridge representative to the School Board. Sean Stephen, the incumbent, did not return his nomination papers in time for his name to appear on the ballot. He is, however, running for re-election. You may write in his name or the name of someone else you would like elected. *

In addition, due to the resignation of Dan Weston, there is a second vacant seat on the School Board. In this case, the Select Board and the two remaining School Committee members together will appoint someone to finish the term.

* Voters always have the option to write in.

Fall Back!

Midnight October 31, 2020:
did you turn
back your clocks