Editorial

Governing is Decision Making

I heard about a man who shot all the coyote on his property and then complained about the rabbits.

Decision making is not easy. It requires consideration of all the variables.

Once there was a man who told his contractor to build the brick fireplace on the second floor but eliminate the masonry mass on the floor below to save money. The contractor patiently explained if there was no fireplace below, the one on the second floor would soon be on the ground floor.

Decision making is hard work. It requires attention to detail, forethought, and an open mind. Otherwise, you end up with unintended consequence.

Once upon a time, angry decision makers went into the wetlands and killed all the beaver, only to discover a fallen tree flooded the road. The tree was removed. Problem solved…but the beaver were still dead.

To achieve the best outcome, there is an order in which to do things. And the reason is: the solution is inherent in the problem. That is, the definition of the problem must come first because an accurate definition of the problem makes the solution clearer.

There are actual steps:

1. Face and define the problem.
2. Identify the least action necessary to solve it.
3. Work together with a mutual desire for the common good.
4. Finish and move on.

Back in a time when disagreeing wasn’t dangerous, fact wasn’t debated, and it was okay to have a sense of humor, this method was easier. But no matter the roadblocks, the correct process leads to the correct outcome.

For example, there is a national brouhaha about police and policing. Imagined to be so hard to solve, so complex, but is it?

Stockbridge Police Sergeant Louie Peyron took new recruits under his wing. He put them in a cruiser, drove the streets of Stockbridge, and said, “Look out the window. See those people? That’s who you work for.”

The correct diagnosis leads to the best solution.

We should thank all those willing to serve this town. Governing is decision making, and decision making is hard. Some take the steps out of order. They propose a solution before defining a problem. Possibly they are pushing their desired outcome regardless of the need; I hope not.

Thank them and ask them please to pay attention to process or Stockbridge will end up with a profusion of rabbits.

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

News

Notes from Select Board meetings June 1 and 3 via Zoom

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Patrick White
• Chuck Cardillo

Also present: Michael Canales

1. Each of the two SB meetings had a single purpose. The first was to interview candidates for the vacant Town Accountant position. The second was to make and announce a decision.
2. Three candidates were interviewed: Cheryl Allen, Jessica Abbott, and Elizabeth Varachi.
3. The questions were pre-written, read by Select Board members and were the same questions for each candidate. The Chair discouraged individual questions “until the end”.
4. On June 3, by unanimous consent, Cheryl Allen was selected. She holds both law and accounting degrees and appeared to have the widest experience.
5. The Chair thanked all three candidates and the nominating committee.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from Stockbridge Town Meeting in Person

As meeting started, there were approximately 170 present; 77 present at end

1. Town Clerk Terri Imolini announced that elected Town Moderator Gary Johnston would not be present. According to procedure, nominations were entertained from the floor. Charlie Kenny and Terri Iemolini were nominated and declined. Steve Shatz was the only candidate.
2. Shatz gaveled the Town meeting to order. He commented that he was pre-selected and prepared by consulting Johnston and studying the rules.
3. Shatz wished Johnston well and was confident he would Moderate future meetings.
4. Articles 1 – 6 (including Town Budget) passed. Then Shatz shifted the order to the last Articles on the Warrant #46 – 54.
5. Eight of the last 9 Articles passed. The exception was the Parking Bylaw which failed. Of the three bylaws the Berkshire Regional Planning consultant worked on – the parking bylaw was defeated, the sign bylaw was dropped from consideration, and only the driveway bylaw passed into law.
6. The Moderator then returned to the original order of Articles with # 7 – 22 with the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding recommendations. As the fourth hour was memory and attendees were leaving, it was agreed to consolidate the CPC grant awards as was done in the past. # 19 and 22 were amended, apparently by Town Counsel, and all passed.
7. Article 23 ($40,000 for consultants to Planning Board) passed narrowly (60/54) after energetic debate.
8. The remaining Articles – 24 through 45 — all passed. Sixteen were funding articles including $600,000 for restoration of the Children’s Chime Tower, a new pump station, and a Housing Trust Fund. Stockbridge voted to withdraw from the mosquito spraying program, to save the old growth forest in Ice Glen, and to repair and upgrade the tennis courts.
9. The meeting lasted 5 1/2 hours – 10 to 3:30.

Editor’s note: (a) Shatz was prepared and did a serviceable job with a long and arduous Warrant. It would have been nice if the Town as a whole were informed in advance of Johnston’s absence so that others were prepared to nominate and be nominated. (b) For many it was the first time in 15 months they sat indoors in a crowd. (c) I had to leave after 4 1/2 hours and am indebted to Kate Fletcher who filled me in on the outcome of Articles 24 – 45 – the final articles entertained. Thank you. (d) I think every voter present would have thanked the Select Board if they could have found a way for Town Meeting to be shorter.

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors Meeting June 7 via Zoom

Present:

• Doug Goudey, Chair
• Tom Stokes
• Gary Pitney
• Michael Blay

1. Gary Pitney nominated Chair – approved unanimously.
2. Town Offices open. Front and back doors open. Visitors’ wearing of masks is optional. Any Town employee will wear mask if requested.
3. Town Meeting — no rain date necessary – if it rains attendees can move inside.
4. Motor vehicle tax abatements – one uncollected; personal property tax – one uncollected.
5. New lien on Highlawn Farm (See Reader to Reader)
6. New map changes made, and map posted online.
7. The new map identifies the number of “owner unknown” properties. These appear to be very small (not buildable) pieces of land. The questions were: should the Town work to identify owners where possible? Should the Town Assessor value the property? (While there is no one from whom to collect taxes now, there may be in the future.)
8. Stokes recommended contacting abutters who may have information on ownership, or an interest in purchasing. The recommendation was accepted.
9. Possibly there may be an avenue for the Town to acquire such properties. The matter was continued.
10. The Exemption Pilot Program
    1. Pilot Program asks for contributions in lieu of taxes from properties exempt from paying taxes. Stokes reported the program is “stalled until Fall”.
    2. White asked if the committee considered returning the $2000 contribution sent to Town by Riverbrook. Stokes said no “it would set a bad precedent.”

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Planning Board Meeting: June 1 via Zoom

Present:

• William Vogt, Chair
• Marie Raftery
• Carl Sprague
• Katherine Fletcher
• Nancy Socha
• Wayne Slosek
• Gary Pitney
• Jennifer Carmichael, secretary

1. Vogt called first order of business to elect a Chair. Vogt and Fletcher nominated.
2. Fletcher requested discussion about roles and expectations of Chair before voting. Vogt declined to discuss, saying, “Just doing elections…not going to talk about it… want to get nominations over with.”
3. Vote 4-3 in favor of Vogt. (After vote, question raised about whether Sprague, newest member, could vote if not sworn in. He declined to vote for rest of meeting until he met with Town Clerk to be sworn in.) Vote recorded as 4 – 2.
4. Rafferty was elected Vice Chair.
5. Socha elected PB Rep. to Berkshire Regional Planning.
6. Pitney elected representative to Community Preservation Committee.
7. Slosek elected Clerk.
8. Approval of minutes. Fletcher said the minutes were not complete; there was a long discussion of the proposed $40,000 for consultants and not all PB members agreed with the need. Pitney suggested approval of minutes be deferred until amended.
9. Special permit requested by Mackeenac Terrace Association to redesign steps to the access common dock. The Special Permit was approved with the understanding there would be native plantings and crushed stone to encourage use of steps (and not the hillside) and aid in run off. Chair waived reading the “required findings”.
10. Fletcher mentioned that there was an email from Town Counsel on a certain issue (unclear) and she had not received a copy. It went to the Chair, but he did not distribute.
11. Justin Carafortes, owner Handcrafted Caterers, who leased 2 Depot Street (Railroad Station) for three years wanted a sign permit. His business sign would hang below the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum sign and be the same size and shape. Permissible according to bylaw – approved use.
12. Request for sign at 5 East Street. David Vanslette represented applicant. This was discussed and rejected previously. The sign was too big and (possibly) too tall according to bylaw. The applicant reduced size and height and it was approved.
13. Name change requested by Stone Ridge. Attorney Nick Arienti not present – deferred.
14. Public Hearing commenced on SB proposed change to the Table of Uses in Zoning Bylaw. Since it is a change to Zoning Bylaw, a public hearing is required. This would add Short Term Rentals to the Table and allow STR in all zoning districts. The proposed STR Bylaw is part of Stockbridge General Bylaws, but this part – relating to in which zoning districts (residential, commercial, etc) STRs are allowed — is a change to Zoning Bylaw. Approved only as to allowing STR in Table of Uses; neither approving or disapproving of bylaw itself.
15. Sign bylaw. There appears to be an internal contradiction. Chair wished to approve anyway until Carmichael shared that the Town Administrator said this proposed bylaw change will not appear on Warrant at this Town Meeting. It was voted (4 aye 2 nay) to come to next Town Meeting without further consideration.
16. Proposed bylaw change to ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) deferred.
17. Rafferty suggested setting aside time at next PB meeting to discuss how each member feels about NRPZ.

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s note: (a) Since all members of PB are equally elected and equally deliberate and vote on issues, why would not legal opinions be distributed to all? (b) If PB votes continue to split 4/3, it will hobble the PB. Certain votes, definitely Special Permits and possibly some proposed Zoning Bylaw changes, require a minimum of 5 votes out of 7 to pass. Is the vote on the proposed Sign Bylaw change valid or binding?

News

Notes from Water and Sewer Commission June 1 via Zoom

Present:

• Clint Schneyer, Chair
• John Loiodice
• Peter J. Socha

Also present: Jennifer Carmichael, Secretary; Michael Buffoni, Water Superintendent;Tony Campetti, Sewer Superintendent

1. Minutes accepted as written.
2. Report by Michael Buffoni
   1. Sink hole the approximate size of a dinner plate in front of Elm Street Market and another across street by post office driveway. Buffoni does not think either is of major concern, but in an abundance of caution, is calling in Dig Safe.
   2. He will Hydro flush soon. Will put out a Code Red (phone calls to residents) when date certain.
   3. $175,000 left from Highway Garage project. Might use for paving and installing a security gate on Averic Road; intends to pave or gravel apron on Patrick – Averic Road??road this year.
   4. Both the odor and noise coming from the Glendale Pump Station remediated with new drum scrubber, 6×6 shed with 3 � “insulation.
3. Loiodice reported from the SBSC – 2 Mohawk Lake Road is requesting to be connected to sewer. It is permitted and Schneyer and Campetti will sign off.
4. Question about future meetings of Commission now that Town Offices open – will meetings be Zoomed as well?
5. Buffoni concerned about a “water hauler” (a business that buys water from Stockbridge) who has not paid his bill. He cannot continue to haul water until bill paid ($3800) however does the regulation have teeth? Are there any interest and penalties due on unpaid balance? Are rates too low? To be discussed further

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from Select Board May 27 via Zoom

Present:

1. Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
2. Patrick White
3. Chuck Cardillo

Also present: Michael Canales, and McCaffrey noted there were seven attendees (unseen)

1. McCaffrey read report of fire at Camp Mackeenac (Please see June 1 issue of SU – statement printed in full)
2. Excavation of the 1739 Meeting House in front of Old Town Hall and the Children’s Chime Tower will commence first week in June — excavation without ground disturbance. Excavation of the 1783 Ox Roast between Mary Flynn Trail and the Housatonic River will commence first week in July.
3. Approval of Minutes of the meetings – May 8. 15. And 22.
4. On behalf of Laurel Hill Association, Pat Flinn requested placement of new signs at Mary Flynn Trail, Ice Glen Trail, and Trail to Laura’s Tower. Although Laurel Hill maintains these trails and they are on Laurel Hill property, the entrances are on Town property. The signs would be “Do and Don’t” signs. If permitted, the signs would include both the Town seal and the LHA logo. Vote on plan unanimously approved subject to Town Counsel review and opinion.
5. One-day alcohol permit for the Norman Rockwell Museum fund-raising event June 12 approved unanimously.
6. Request for Annual Entertainment license by Handcrafted Catering for use at 2 Depot Street (Railroad station). Continued pending development of parking plan and pending determination by Handcrafted Catering if they want an Annual Entertainment license or Special permits per event (the process and requirements differ).
7. Dan Patrick name ?? for the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (4000 members). Suggestions with the goal of “making the lake more user-friendly”.
   1. Work with David Cameron of Mass Public Access Board – Harbor Master Kleinerman was present and offered that they were working with Cameron and first goal was to improve boat ramp (See Notes from Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee, June 1 issue, SU)
   2. Install “kayak assist” ramps and “boarding docks” as done at Richmond Pond.
   3. Remove a fence (possibly privately owned) overhanging water which is illegal.
   4. He complimented Stockbridge on its “No Jet Ski” policy.
8. The Light-Smart Energy Consultants LLC. were recommended by the Stockbridge Green Communities Committee subject to Select Board approval. Voted and approved.
9. Stockbridge Bowl Association has offered the Town $18,000 to be used to improve Town beach. It will be paid after expenditures e.g., Town reimbursed, or bills submitted to SBA for payment. McCaffrey pointed out this was the amount the Court ordered the Town to pay SBA for court costs incurred during lawsuit brought by SBA.
10. 10. With Covid restrictions being lifted, Town Offices opened, decisions about Zoom. White embraces continuing Zoom. Question: should Town have a recording on CTSB that allows wider accessibility or Zoom which allows remote participation? SB entered

Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining and indicated they would not return to open meeting.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Board of Health (BOH) May 26 via Zoom

Present:

• Charles Kenney, Chair
• Henry Schwerner
• Rae Williams

Also present: Jennifer Carmichael, secretary, Jim Wiltz, Tri-town Health

1. Chair called meeting to order.
2. Jim Wiltz read the rules of remote meetings (apparently required) as follows: there will be public access in real time; every effort made to allow remote participation, minutes posted as soon as practicable, and votes taken by roll call (that is name and vote e.g. John Doe: Aye)
3. Minutes of last meeting approved.
4. Vote to withdraw from the Berkshire Mosquito Control Program – unanimous.
5. Kenny expressed support for Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee (SBSC) becoming a commission. Asked for vote – unanimous.
6. Covid restrictions loosening while the suggestion is to continue restrictions for those not vaccinated because the number of cases among unvaccinated is “very high”.
7. Tanglewood – attendance pre-Covid could be as high as 18,000.
   1. Suggestion to allow 9000 and to have joint Public Hearing with Lenox to agree on suggestion. BOH felt it “dangerous” to go from being closed last season to 100% attendance.
   2. Representative Smitty Pignatelli present at meeting and concurred. He added most concerts have 5000-6000 attendees and are unaffected by restriction of 9000.
   3. Motion for joint public hearing to suggest 9000 audience size limit approved.
8. Application was made by Tri-Town Health to the Commonwealth for funding of a Comprehensive Public Health Nursing Program.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Openings, Closings, and Events around Town

1. Hilary Somers Deely, President, Laurel Hill Association (LHA) is pleased to announce that Laurel Hill Day will be on Saturday, August 28th at 2 p.m. at Laurel Hill Park. (Rain date: Sunday, August 29th, 2 p.m.) This is the 168th anniversary of LHA’s founding. We are celebrating our commitment to the environment and the cultural heritage of Stockbridge. The theme this year. will be ‘” Woman’s Place ” and will honor women in leadership roles. It will also commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first woman who spoke at the Laurel Hill rostrum – Denise Deluzy Desportes (Mrs. Henry Field).
2. The Stockbridge-Munsee Community is undertaking archeological investigations at two sites in Stockbridge in June and July. On June 5: finished working with the magnetometer and ground penetrating radar between Old Town Hall and the Children’s Chime Tower, and between the Mary Flynn Trail and the Housatonic River. The next step is to interpret the data. The week of July 5th the actual archaeological dig will occur at both sites. The goal is to learn about and preserve two sites important to Mohican and America history.
3. Covid vaccinations open to all over age 16 and is now approved for ages 12 and up.
4. Tanglewood Season 2021 — July 9 – August 16
   Favorites Yo-Yo Ma, John Williams, and the Boston Pops will perform; however, there will be NO JAMES TAYLOR concert for the second season in a row. There will be a focus on Beethoven. Tickets went on sale May 17 at www.tanglewood.org and 888-266-1200. Audience size increased to 9000, therefore 4500 more tickets are now available.

News

AIA Award for the Linde Center in Stockbridge

Linde Center for Music and Learning received a 2021 Interior Architecture Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This award “celebrates the most innovative and spectacular interior spaces.”

Contributors

Stockbridge Archeology: Mohican Presence from 1739 to 1783

Part One: The 1739 Indian Meeting House

Through the generosity of the Town of Stockbridge Community Preservation Act Committee and the U.S. Park Service the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of the Mohicans is currently conducting archaeology on two Mohican sites in town that bookend Mohican presence in Indian Town, later Stockbridge. From the 1739 Indian Meeting House on the town square to the 1783 Ox Roast feast provided to the veterans of the Revolutionary War and their families by George Washington, held on the land of King Solomon Uhhaunauwaunmut in Ice Glen they are both symbolic of the Mohican experience here.

According to Electa Jones in July of 1736 Governor Belcher invited Rev. Sergeant and members of the tribe to Boston, where on August 6th they dined with the Governor and his Council. At the request of the Governor “the General Assembly granted funds for the erection of a church 40 feet by 30, together with a suitable School-House.”

Accordingly, the church was erected with three doors; one at each end, and one on the south side. Pews were against the wall with only two aisles. It was two stories, and, as evidence of its firmness, the frame is still used (1854) in a barn several rods west of its original location (Southmayd Farm).

It was not so far from completed as to admit worshipers before Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 29, 1739, when it first opened for religious service. At a town meeting in 1760 it was voted, to take up a contribution from the whites, and another from the Indians, to pay David Naunaueekanuk for his services in sweeping the house and blowing the Conch.

In 1761, the two end doors of the church were shut, windows being left; and two new pews were built in the places thus left vacant. An aisle was cut through the center of the house, and the body-seats so altered as to make five in the place of four. Two pews were also built over the stairs, the house newly clapboarded in front, and new windows set in that south side. The windows on each end were newly glazed, and old clapboards and glass were employed in repairs upon the north side. Besides this, the plastering and seats in the gallery were mended.”

by Rick Wilcox

Contributors

Stockbridge Memories

As a Stockbridge resident many of the distinguishing aspects of our town have existed as part of the landscape of my life. Over the years as I have introduced Stockbridge to people who have never been here, I have grown a greater appreciation for all that our town holds. I point out the iconic cultural centers we have such as the Norman Rockwell Museum, Chesterwood or nearby Tanglewood. I often describe Kripalu, the Berkshire Botanic Gardens and the views from Stockbridge Bowl. I have noticed the most engaging topics of conversation about Stockbridge consistently revolve around the Red Lion Inn, the lack of streetlights on Main Street, and anyone who has driven through Stockbridge will undoubtedly have something to say about navigating the intersection.

One of the things I can rely on Stockbridge for is to never change. I go on the same running routes as I did when I first started running in seventh grade, I check out stacks of books from the Stockbridge library like I did in high school, and I can count on our town beach to be patrolled by a gaggle of geese. Stockbridge often feels like a town preserved in time. There is even a Norman Rockwell painting of Main Street that looks like it could have been rendered today.

Despite the peaceful consistency of our small town nestled in the Berkshire Hills, my relationship with Stockbridge has shifted as I have seen more of the world. For me, Stockbridge is constantly changing. On rainy days, grabbing the mail and stopping by Stockbridge Coffee and Tea for a lavender London Fog reminds me of time I spent in Scotland. The rolling waves of hills that can be seen from the parking area of Tanglewood in the heat of summer make me think of the view of the Golan Heights in Tzfat, Israel. As I have grown older, my perception of the place where I grew up has grown as well, and every time I come home, I gain a deeper understanding of this town.

Stockbridge is often characterized by its predictability, but it holds an array of hidden treasures. Like navigating the intersection by the Red Lion Inn, I can always count on Stockbridge to provide something interesting. I’m looking forward to writing for Stockbridge Updates this summer to explore the familiarly of my hometown community through new perspectives.

Editor’s note: Welcome Meryl to the summer staff of Stockbridge Updates.

by Meryl Phair

Contributors

Report from the Board of Health

Recently, the Boards of Health of Stockbridge and Lenox had back-to-back hearings during which both boards unanimously approved regulations to limit public gatherings in both towns to 9000, or 50% of the capacity allowed, through September 7, 2021. While this represents an increase from the prior 25% capacity limit, it imposes a greater limitation than the Governor has allowed in general for the Commonwealth.

The rationale for the Board’s decision is the following: many people remain unvaccinated. The virus is rampant in many areas among the unvaccinated, just as it was in the general population before vaccinations began. While many choose not to be vaccinated and are willing to assume the risks of the disease. Children and individuals with certain immune system problems have not or cannot be vaccinated.

The Tri-Town Health Department is not staffed for managing a large number of new cases in town and could not perform the usual contact tracing and case supervisions that such a potential caseload would require. The influx of strangers to our small towns would proportionally be far larger than that for venues in Boston or Springfield. The venue in town most significantly affected, Tanglewood, supported the limitation.

Our State Representative, Smitty Pignatelli, also supported continued caution, noting that many local businesses had expressed concern to him that the state was moving too fast, and that their staffing levels would not be able to handle a sudden return to normality. Most significantly, and characteristic of the response of our fellow townspeople throughout this most trying year of plague, no one has complained as the Board’s endeavor to seek a balance between public safety and public needs.

by Charles Kenny, Chair

Events

Katie Rumin Plays the Theremin

Katie Rumin of Main St. plays the theremin at Stockbridge Congregational Church as part of her senior project for the Waldorf High School.

All photos and videos unless otherwise credited by Patrick White

Events

Memorial Day Ceremony for U.S Sailors Lost at Sea

Memorial Day ceremony for U.S sailors lost at sea.

The Last Word

Reader to Reader: We Got Mail

Dear Carole,

The first week of June, the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Nation, now centered in Wisconsin, began fieldwork on two of its important cultural sites within ancestral Mohican homelands: the 1739 Meetinghouse site near today’s Chimes Tower and the 1783 Ox Roast/King Solomon homesite along the Mary Flynn Trail in Stockbridge. The Nation is directing both projects, with a hired archaeology team serving as the primary investigator. The aim is to learn more about each site and document them, including adding to the National Register to amplify their significance and aid in their preservation.

The Nation was able to identify these locations thanks to historical research by Rick Wilcox as well as a volunteer engineering survey of the Meetinghouse area conducted by Rob Hoogs. The Ox Roast site also underwent an initial survey in 2019 that this project will expand upon. The Meetinghouse project is supported in part by an Underrepresented Communities Grant from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. The Mohican Ox Roast/King Solomon Homesite project is funded in part by Citizens of Stockbridge under the provisions of the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act.

During the first week of testing, the team conducted non-invasive geophysical surveys such as ground penetrating radar and magnetometer to find the location of artifacts and features that might indicate the presence of either historic site.

After the results from this non-invasive survey are analyzed, the crew will be returning back to the field on July 6 for at least a week to conduct an archaeological survey consisting of limited shovel test pits. Different artifact types may indicate different activities—hand wrought iron nails could indicate King Solomon Uhhaunaunauwaunmut’s homesite, or items like military buttons, forks or burned animal bone might provide clues about the Ox Roast Feast. For the Meetinghouse, the survey might locate the actual footprint of the building and associated artifacts.

Anyone is welcome and encouraged to visit for the upcoming fieldwork starting July 6 and stop by, bring a chair, and share in this special experience that unites the Tribe and the Town together in their shared histories.

Bonney Hartley
Tribal Historic Preservation Manager
Stockbridge-Munsee Community

Dear Bonnie,

Thank you so much for taking the time to give background and context and thank you for what you and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community are doing. It is very exciting.

Carole

* * ^ * *

Dear Carole,

Chapter 61 is a land program through the State of Massachusetts that lets you get a reduced valuation on property if classified Forest, Agricultural/Horticultural/Recreational. Chapter 61 is Forest. Chapter 61A is Agricultural/Horticultural and Chapter 61B is Recreational.

That’s where the “lien” comes in. If the property qualifies, the Board approves it, and we then place a lien on the property and value it accordingly. The lien is in place so the Town recoups the tax dollars in case the property is sold or withdrawn from the Chapter program before it legally can be.

Again, hope this helps.

Mike

(Michael Blay, Stockbridge Town Principal Assessor)

Dear Mike,

Thank you. Clear and concise and helpful in explaining the reported “lien on Highlawn” (see Notes from the Board of Assessors’ meeting.)

Caroleotherwise credited by Patrick White

Opinion

Proposed Professional Planner for Stockbridge

There is a great deal of misunderstanding about the proposed Natural and Historic Resource Protection Zoning (NHRPZ) bylaw for Stockbridge. The bylaw does not promote nor does it limit subdivision developments. Review only occurs only after a subdivision is proposed.

The Planning Board successfully used this concept in Stockbridge in the 1980’s. One location was at Winden Hill on Old Stockbridge Road, the site of Berkshire Christian College. The developer’s goal was to maximize the number the building sites by spreading them across the entire campus. The goal of the Board was to preserve the view of the school’s large brick building, maintain the extensive lawns along Old Stockbridge Rd and to minimize the runoff into Lily Pond. The Board had all units moved from the front of the property and shortened the long road to the pond. All the building units would be clustered at the top of the hillside.

Oronoque, the home of Indian Hill Music School at the corner of Old Meeting House and Prospect Hill Roads objective was to maintain the original character of the property. The old original building and the large open lawn were preserved by locating all the new housing units behind the main building.

Because the subdivision roads required waivers, the Planning Board negotiated improved layouts of subdivisions. The number of units in the original proposals was the same number as the number that were approved in the eventual design. By using the method of waivers to modify proposals, the Planning Board probably exceed its authority in granting the new subdivision configurations.

The subdivisions are probably unnoticed by most in town. Winden Hill maintained the rural charter of Old Stockbridge Road and reduced the runoff into Lily Pond. At Oronque the town enjoys the extensive lawn and beauty of the historic building.

The value of a comprehensive review prior to a subdivision approval is essential. The bylaws need to spell out the authorities and responsibilities of the planning board and to provide guidance for the evaluation of projects. Bylaw development is a complicated process and requires the professional guidance for drafting a bylaw that reflects the goals and priorities Stockbridge. Please support the funding to hire a planner with experience to draft a NHRP bylaw.

by Jim Murray