Editorial

Looking Back Looking Forward

Next issue Stockbridge Updates will be one year old. I did not know what would happen when I began a year ago. SU may have fizzled. I was stunned and deeply grateful that it has been such a success. Some issues have more “opens” than the number of residents in Stockbridge. A year later SU is a part of the community.

If I had one goal from the start, it was to get information to the people and encourage them to demand answers to any questions left unanswered. Transparency is the soul of democracy. It is not just that ours is a government by consensus or that elected officials have an obligation to the electorate; it is that open and inclusive government is good government. Secrecy and backroom decisions by a privileged few are the enemies of fairness and optimum outcomes.

We have been through a great deal in this last year: disease and division; illness and suspicion. We came through and we are coming out of it. We are beginning to ask what is best for our village; not what are the motives of the “others”.

Let us continue. Gather as much information as possible; bring our best ideas to the table, and after articulating them, listen to the responses. In the coming year, Stockbridge Updates will continue to do all it can to facilitate those goals.

I thank every reader.

I thank all who helped make SU what it is — Copy Editors, Lenore Sundberg and Jack Trowill; Photographers, Joan Gallos, Jay Rhind, and Lionel Delevingne; all the marvelous contributors including but not limited to Rick Wilcox, Meryl Phair, Bruce Blair, Bob Jones, Marie Raftery, Bill Vogt, Gary Pitney, and Charles Kenny.

I thank my Editorial Board who was there to discuss every problem that arose and help shape our editorial posture and procedures.

Finally, thank you to all the readers who wrote to SU and made every issue more vibrant and relevant.

For many reasons, the news has shrunk as it appeared to expand. Although television and the Internet creates a constant stream of news, it tends to be national and international. The number of newspapers shrunk, and those remaining are in big cities. There is something tangible and comforting about a local — very local — newspaper. In the end SU gave Stockbridge something it wanted.

Next year? SU will continue to be a good neighbor, honest and giving, and there for you.

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

News

As Covid Recedes…

Guidance on holding meetings pursuant to the Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures

On June 16, 2021, Governor Baker signed into law An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. This Act includes an extension, until April 1, 2022, of the remote meeting provisions of his March 12, 2020, Executive Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law. The new law has two major parts.

First, the new law allows public bodies to continue providing live “adequate, alternative means” of public access to the deliberations of the public body, instead of holding meetings in a public place that is open and physically accessible to the public. “Adequate, alternative means” may include, without limitation, providing public access through telephone, internet, or satellite enabled audio or video conferencing or any other technology that enables the public to clearly follow the proceedings of the public body in real time.

Second, the new law authorizes all members of a public body to continue participating in meetings remotely; the Open Meeting Law’s requirement that a quorum of the body and the chair be physically present at the meeting location remains suspended.

Hybrid meeting means in person and via Zoom.

News

Events

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden Each Monday, a band will play in the gazebo among the topiaries in Lucy’s Garden, while guests stretch out on the tree-shaded lawns. Stroll the grounds, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and enjoy live music and beer and wine available from Big Elm Brewing. Spontaneous dancing is encouraged! $15/$10 members (Register online) Norman Rockwell Museum On scheduled Tuesdays in July and August, meet the international artists featured in the Fantasy Art exhibition on view at the Museum this summer. Please visit website https://www.nrm.org/events/ for details on this series. Join us in person, or online. Online participants: Free for members $5 non-members
2. Laurel Hill Association holds its 167th annual Laurel Hill Day celebration on August 28 at 2 p.m. “A Celebration of the Leadership of Women.”
3. Virtual Rounds — Austen Riggs July 16 12:50 p.m. “Perfectionism: Conceptualization, Clinical Formulation, and Treatment” Paul Hewitt PhD — CME/CE credits offered.
4. Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Book tickets online. On scheduled Tuesdays in July and August, meet the international artists featured in the Fantasy Art exhibition on view at the Museum this summer. Please visit website https://www.nrm.org/events/ for details on this series. Join us in person or online. Online participants: Free for members; $5 non-members

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee June 25, Hybrid

Present:

• Jamie Minacchi, Chair
• Michael Nathan
• Charles Kenny
• John Loiodice
• Roxanne McCaffrey

1. Mosquito Control Program halted per vote at Town Meeting
2. SBSC is now a Town Commission and will seek a secretary for taking and posting minutes
3. Weed Harvesting: Notice of Intention (NOI) to harvest weeds in the Bowl approved by Conservation Commission. Con Com will now prepare the Order of Conditions. Following is a 10-day appeal period for review and comment by DEP (Commonwealth Dept of Environmental Protection) and NHESP (Commonwealth Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program). Following the approvals, the harvesting can commence.
4. Michael Nathan expressed concerned about the slow process so that weed harvesting will not be done until late July/early August. He wondered if the engineering company or the Commonwealth agencies were responsible for the lag time. He questioned whether the process could begin earlier and allow harvesting to be done earlier?
5. McCaffrey said this process will result in a three-year contract and therefore harvesting could take place earlier in the next two years.
6. McCaffrey said Stockbridge Bowl Association wants to move one of the areas in which there will be testing for milfoil. She did not say why, but that would alter where harvester could be used. It must avoid test areas and remain 100 feet away from them.
7. Harbor Master will place buoys around test areas. Harvester will use GPS to indicate where they harvested weeds.
8. Dock harvesting will be a single pass only.
9. Kenny would like to invite Hilary Snook, an environmental scientist, to speak about cyanobacteria and general conditions on lake. For example, The Bowl is in a marble infrastructure creating hard water.
10. Mike Buffoni and Pat Kennelly from SOLitude did water testing and will have analysis later.
11. Nathan awaiting report from GZA (consultant) on dredging.
12. ConCom requested an aquatic plant study to be done by Tom Coote (Bard College faculty) in July or August.

Editor’s notes: Coote is the environmentalist who documented the absence of milfoil last year. Are the control and test areas potentially being moved in search of milfoil?

News

Notes from the Zoning Board of Appeals, June 29, in person at 7 p.m.

1. The ZBA meets when there is a matter to consider.
2. On June 29, there was a Public Hearing convened by the ZBA on the application filed by Aileen L. Bliss requesting variance from the Zoning Bylaw requirements with respect to dimensional variance of acreage and direct frontage under Section 7.2.2, to obtain a building permit on property at Train Hill Road/Averic Road, Map 212, Lot 25.1, Book 417Q, Page 71.
3. The meeting was postponed to accommodate the attorney for Bliss who could not be present.
4. The Public Hearing was continued. ZBA has 65 days from date of receipt to hold the Public Hearing and 100 days to render a decision. The Chair requested a letter from the attorney that the delay, as requested by the attorney, will not form basis for an objection.
5. Before the meeting adjourned, letter from an abutter was read by a neighbor Paul Sundberg:

To the ZBA,

We understand that Aileen Bliss has requested a variance on the property she is trying to sell so that it becomes a buildable lot, which currently, we believe, it is not.

As we aren’t able to be in Stockbridge for the hearing, we’d like to go on record as saying that we are opposed to granting this variance. For decades, the Averic-Train Hill area has maintained its aesthetic integrity and ease of passage based on the limited number of homes and their distance from one another. We’d like to see this sense of neighborhood maintained.

While we certainly respect private property rights, we also put high value on keeping an existing community intact for those who are its members, as we are.

In appreciation, Larry Ackerman

Meeting adjourned.

6. Post meeting, the following communication was sent to the ZBA:

To the ZBA,

As you know from the meeting last Tuesday evening, I submitted a letter to you that was read and endorsed by Paul Sundberg, arguing against issuing a permit to turn a portion of Ms. Bliss’s land into a buildable lot, which is currently, not in code.

I stand behind my objections. However, it has come to my attention that she may be seeking to generate cash so she can stay living in her current house. While I have no way of knowing if

selling her land will allow her to do that, I do not want to stand in the way of that outcome.

So, I am prepared to withdraw my objection if it gets in the way of that goal. That said, I am sure you will all let the law dictate your decision.

Thank you, Larry Ackerman

Editor’s note: For a lot to be “buildable”, zoning bylaws require a certain number of acres and a certain number of feet on a road (called frontage). The Bliss lot does not have the requisite acreage/frontage, therefore, she is asking for a variance, that is, relief from the requirement.

From article by Bob Jones in first issue of SU 8/6/20: “As zoning regulations cannot cover every conceivable situation that arises, the ZBA has the authority to allow minor exceptions to existing zoning bylaws…these small changes might allow a landowner to do what would generally be forbidden. Variances are not easy to acquire… [the owners] must show practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship…The ZBA, while not strictly a judiciary, acts as a judicial panel, issuing rulings, along with findings that clearly explain the rulings.”

News

Notes from Cemetery Committee, July 2, In Person Meeting

submitted by Candice Curry

Present:

• Karen Marshall, Chair
• Candace Currie
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• Patrick White
• Michael Canales
• Chris Marsden
• Hugh Page, Superintendent, Highway Dept.
• Peter Williams, Historical Commission

1. Cemetery management: Joe Gardino has resigned effective the end of the summer. Marshall moved that Chris Marsden be hired as the new cemetery consultant. Approved.
2. At St. Joseph’s request, the Catholic Church will take over the maintenance and burials at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, effective July 1. The Town’s Highway Department will no longer maintain the grounds and the Town will no longer manage interments.
3. Page reported:
   1. There are two buildings in the cemetery currently used to store tools. The Commission brainstormed on renovations and uses for both the historic hearse building and the newer shed. Canales and Page to look over both buildings and evaluate the tool shed.
   2. The commission also discussed possible public uses of the hearse shed. For example, McCaffrey and White expressed interest in exploring whether to convert the hearse building to a small museum.
4. Hedges around cemetery and around some private lots need to be cut back or replaced. No decisions were made. The group agreed to revisit this subject again later.
5. Water spigots need to be added to the newer sections of the cemetery where people are leaving flowers.
6. Starting this year, leaves will be vacuumed instead of raked onto tarps. Using this equipment will save money and time. String trimmers, especially around the older stones, even with a lighter gauge string, are damaging the stones in the historic sections. A suggestion to switch from lawn that requires mowing to something like thyme that is already growing there would reduce labor and potential damage to stones. The newer stones made of granite are not damaged by string trimmers.
7. The cemetery roads are not plowed in the winter except for access for and during a burial, and everyone agreed that approach is appropriate for the town cemetery.
8. Walking in the cemetery at all seasons is still possible. There may be a need for a sign related to winter conditions.
9. The Commission discussed burial records; goal to maintain both physical and digital records. Currie mentioned she has extensive experience in this field (she was part of the leadership team at Mt. Auburn Cemetery for a number of years). White suggested that any database include photos, descriptions, audio clips, QR codes and related fields to allow the town to repurpose the data for a virtual cemetery tour website/mobile app.
10. The Commission discussed candidates for consultant to develop plan to repair broken and damaged headstones in the old portion of the cemetery.
11. Karen and Chris will outline the scope and requirements and then request proposals from at least three companies to do the work later this summer and fall.
12. Discuss mapping of remaining space in cemetery to determine best use of current space and anticipate any needed expansion in the future. Karen and Chris will follow up on this later this year.
13. Discussion about a new driveway and parking lot proposed by The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) on property adjacent to the cemetery. Karen will follow up with the Conservation Commission and with TTOR.
14. Repair to Richard Bowker headstone — the damage was reported by Rich Bradway, who offered to raise funds to repair the headstone. Commission authorized the Town to make the repair from money in the Highway Department’s budget for headstone repair.

Meeting adjourned.

by Candice Curry

News

Notes from Water and Sewer Commission, July 6, Hybrid

submitted by Meryl Phair

Present:

• Don Schneyer, Chair
• Peter J. Socha, member
• John Loiodice, member

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

1. June 1st minutes approved as written.
2. Going forward, meetings will be hybrid, that is, in-person and via Zoom.
3. Buffoni reported on two issues:
   1. Quiet Knoll water storage tank inspected next Wednesday as required every 5 years.
   2. Awaiting contract for engineering and design of Tuckerman Bridge water main replacement
4. Campetti reported that Town Meeting approved 4 sewer-related articles:
   1. Loan to finance pump station; Town Administrator is securing loan.
   2. New camera to inspect sewer pipes. Keeping the old camera as a standby.
   3. Two loans — one for this year and one overlooked last year.
5. The Lake Drive Association (LDA) is interested in connecting to Town sewer.
   1. Two representatives from the LDA were in attendance to discuss.
   2. Reserve capacity of the Stockbridge plant would not be negatively impacted if LDA connected to Town sewer.
   3. 25 years ago, Beechwood and Mahkeenac connected to sewer. Because it was deemed a health issue, federal money was available. Today LDA would have to arrange and pay for connection to Town sewer system.
   4. Representatives from LDA proposed use of COVID-19 relief money as part of infrastructure. Could possibly be used to connect rest of town.
   5. They also said it may be a health issue as sewer connection positively impacts LDA and the lake.
   6. Buffoni pointed out that when 80% of reserve capacity is reached for 90 consecutive days it triggers a mandated upgrade to the treatment plant which would cost millions so there is a limit on how much can be added especially considering Wheatleigh and Camp Mah-Kee-Nac are on lake.
   7. Campetti said they would not come to the 80% mark as it would be about 18,000 gallons a day peak flow (rough estimate) for four-bedroom houses. Reaching that 80% would only be a seasonal concern.
   8. LDA will do a preliminary survey to get basic information on septic systems (number, age, and condition and evidence of failure).
   9. LDA has 38 residences with about 6 full-year residents, 2 of which are already on the sewer. Suggestion that perhaps Jim Wilusz, Tri-Town Health, could accompany on an on-site examination in coordination with the LDA. Suggested that Wilusz be invited to August meeting; agreed to have an August meeting.
6. Buffoni updates:
   1. Watershed examination by DEP happened in June. Report forthcoming.
   2. Commonwealth has declared Massachusetts is at a Level One Drought. Localities being asked to conserve water. For example, outdoor water use every other day (not every day). Ray Miyares, Town Counsel, attending meetings to argue not all localities the same and should not be treated the same e.g., Stockbridge does not have a water shortage.
7. Update from Stockbridge Bowl Steering Committee meeting by Loiodice:
   1. Harvesting is going to happen in areas not marked of for testing.
   2. Also discussed dredging and water testing.

Buffoni requested two new computers for himself and Campetti, with an update to Cloud-based software. Unexpended funds from last year available. Upgrade of equipment was unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned.

by Meryl Phair

News

Notes from the Planning Board (PB) July 6, Hybrid

Present:

• Bill Vogt, Chair
• Marie Raftery, Vice Chair
• Carl Sprague
• Gary Pitney
• Nancy Socha
• Kate Fletcher
• Wayne Slosek
• Jeff Lacy, consultant

Also present: Jennifer Carmichael, secretary; Others via Zoom or in the room not visible/named if they spoke.

1. Jeff Lacy invited into PB meeting to respond to comments made at last meeting about NRPZ. Lacy never recommended change from density negative to density neutral and if he had been present at meeting where that was decided he would have argued against density neutral.
2. Fletcher said PB never voted on that change
3. Lacy said he thought Cottage Era Bylaw was working well as a subset of NHRPZ and was disappointed when PB took it out.
4. Again Fletcher said PB never voted on that change either. Stated there were decisions made without input of whole PB.
5. Lacy said he could only rely on what he was told by the one PB member assigned to communicate with him
6. Lacy explained that NRPZ and density negative was part of a “grand bargain” wherein the developer gets “prompt and predictable permitting and a formula”. In exchange the municipality gets conserved land. He reaffirmed that that NRPZ was a conservation plan not a development plan.
7. Again Lacy mentioned he did not recommend lowering the percentage of conserved land.
8. Responding to other concerns expressed:
   1. he was not concerned about competency of PB to implement. However, if PB concerned they can continue to include consultants and he has what he called “helper documents”.
   2. Concerns about things like the waivers, transfers and density swaps did not have to be thrown out, could be altered. Also he wished PB to remember it requires a 2/3 vote (super majority) to approve and that PB could change that to consensus (whole PB to approve).
   3. He said the PB role could be simplified and reduced to this: PB establishes required 80% conserved land; 20% developed; where the 80% is located, and where the 20% is located. Within those parameters, the developer would be free to make other decisions.
   4. Slosek made the point that if the town wants the Cottages preserved, it is only fair to allow developer to make enough money to preserve and profit. Lacy seemed to say NHRPZ allowed that.
9. Finally, Lacy said he calculated density of his town by dividing total acreage by number of houses. His town has one house per 12.5 acres. He imagines Stockbridge is similar and does not recommend changing that ratio with any bylaw change going forward.
10. His final advice was “always permit and beware of ‘by right’ “. That is, put permitting processes in place and do not cede rights to owners without oversight.
11. Public Hearing on Special Permit for a house at 20 Mackeenac Shores. Attorney Lori Robbins for the owners. There was conflict related to boulders placed in the lake even though they were later removed. However, some thought they were still there. Abutters had concerns about the rocks, the height of structure, and when and how long construction would go on. In the end it was approved by a vote of 6 – 1.

Editor’s note: Please watch the first half of this PB meeting — the information was very enlightening and nuanced. A. About NRPZ and NHRPZ. NRPZ is Natural Resources Preservation Zoning. NRHPZ is Natural Resource and Historical Preservation Zoning. If Cottage Era Estate Bylaw included, then NRHPZ is correct. When CEE taken out then reverts to NRPZ. B. Density neutral — if NRPZ replaces 4-acre zoning, number of houses permitted remains the same; density negative, number of houses built is fewer. C. As Lacy spoke it seemed to become clear that it would have served all if consultant had met with whole PB from the start and never had a steering committee or a single member appointed to funnel communication.

D. A simple majority is not sufficient for a special permit to be approved. The vote must be at least 5-2 in favor.

News

Notes from the Select Board (SB) July 8, Hybrid

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Patrick White

Also present, Michael Canales, Kate Fletcher, Bob Jones, Clarence Fanto, Jorja Marsden, Hugh Page

1. Special Permit at 74 East Main Street for a stairway to the side door. During Public Hearing, no comments from public. Permit approved unanimously.
2. Cat and Dog Fountain progress report.
   1. The fountain removed for repair and replaced by two signs: “The Cat and Dog are currently at the vet. They will return in 2022 so the spat will continue.” (The ‘vet’ is Jeff Gulick Restoration Contractor).
   2. The basin or foundation of the fountain when uncovered was crumbling bricks and must be replaced. Jones suggested Gunite, used in swimming pools, as longest lasting and most cost-effective.
   3. Jones also reported Stewart Lambert has been consulting gratis on fountain restoration.
3. Annual Select Board appointees to committees, commissions, and boards. Here is a summary (complete list on Town website) Berkshire Regional Planning, Christine Rasmussen; Community Preservation Carole Owens and Patrick White; Animal Inspector and Control John Drake; Agricultural and Forestry Shelby Marshall, alternate; Board of Registrar, Nancy Clark; Regional Transit Authority, Jamie Minacchi; Alternate Bldg. Inspector Paul Green; Cable Advisory Ron Brouker, Michael Canales and Patrick White.
4. Canales reported that it is time for contract negotiations between the 5 towns and the cable company. Therefore, it is important to have a Stockbridge representative. It may be that Brouker has a conflict, he said. Therefore, the Board appointed Canales and White. Three reps are allowed and so White suggested Brouker stay on until someone asks him if he does have a conflict. Approved unanimously.
5. Continuing SB appointees: Cemetery Commission, Karen Marshal and Candace Currie; Plumbing Inspector Greg Pilling and alternate, Gennari Plumbing; Town Counsel Donna Brewer, and more.
6. Hugh Page named Highway Superintendent
7. Director of Council on Aging stepping down. Canales suggested they take the time to think about goals of Council and role of director before advertising for replacement.
8. Teresa O’Brient asked for clarification on outdoor seating. As long as the requirement for a 36″ walkway is being observed, Stockbridge is following the Commonwealth guidance and outdoor dining will continue until November 29, 2021. Cardillo suggested outdoor dining be allowed permanently.
9. Second Homeowners’ meeting will be 8 a.m. July 15th as part of the regular SB meeting — in person and via Zoom.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission July 9 Hybrid

Present:

• John Loiodice, Acting Chair
• Michael Nathan
• Charlie Kenny
• Gary Kleinerman
• Mike Buffoni

1. In Minacchi’s absence, Loiodice called the meeting to order.
2. June 25 minutes approved as amended.
3. Seeking a member from the Sportsman’s Club in Gary Johnston’s absence.
4. Discussion of Dr. Snook and of dredging postponed until next meeting.
5. Buffoni reported on lake water testing — completed — awaiting results.
6. Kleinerman reported on the fence between the boat launch and the Iredale property. There is a dispute about where the Jane Iredale property line is and that should be checked. Portion of fence in water will be removed. Also, the four Oak trees on side of boat launch should be removed or secured. SB not SBSC should ask Public Access to the Waters of Mass to check the trees as the contract is between SB and Public Access.
7. Agreed to meet Friday July 16.

Contributors

Archaeology in Stockbridge Bookends Mohican Presence from 1739 to 1783

Part Two

In 1829 the Rev. David Dudley Field while authoring a history of Berkshire County wrote:

“At the close of the war, Timothy Edwards and others, contractors for supplying a division of the Army at West Point with provisions, were ordered by Gen. Washington (as tradition is here) to give the Indians a feast, in consideration of their good conduct in the service. An ox, weighting 1100, was roasted whole, the whole tribe partook of it, men first, and then women, according to custom. The Rev. John Sergeant (the younger) and a Mr. Deane presided at the table, and the principal men of the place attended. The feast was kept near the residence of King Solomon; and after it was over, the Indians buried the hatchet, in token that the war was past, and performed other ceremonies in their own style, for the gratification of the company. “

Why hold the ox roast at King Solomon’s residence? During the French and Indian War in late May (1756), Jacob Cheeksankun, then a town selectman, was commissioned captain, Jacob Naunauphtaunk lieutenant, and Solomon Uhhaunauwaunmut ensign of a company of about fifty Stockbridges. After the two Stockbridge captains became prisoners, General Amherst offered Solomon Uhhaunauwaunmut command of their two companies. During the Revolutionary War Solomon commanded a company of Stockbridge Mohicans during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Solomon had replaced “King” Ben Kokhkewenaunaunt as the head sachem of the Stockbridge Mohicans.

‘Wherever you go, we will be by your sides,’ Solomon Uhhaunauwaunmut declared. ‘Our bones shall lie with yours. We are determined never to be at peace with the red coats, while they are at variance with you.” (A History of the County of Berkshire, Massachusetts, in two parts: General View of the County & Account of the Several Towns, Chester Dewey, David Dudley Field, Sr. 1829, printed by Samuel W. Bush, Pittsfield).

In 1777, Solomon died at age 55 and was remembered as a warrior and leader of his people.

Finding Solomon’s home site was like assembling a jigsaw puzzle from hundreds of deeds at the Berkshire Middle Registry of Deeds in Pittsfield.

Finding the site of the ox roast, the work of archaeologists, is a little like finding needle in a haystack. Archaeology aside the historical documentation alone that has been uncovered in the project research has shed new light on these events.

Editor’s note: The rain has slowed progress, but the dig continues. Visit. Workers are welcoming and informative. The “unearthing” is exciting.

by by Rick Wilcox

Opinion

Town Square

Welcome to Stockbridge Updates Town Square — The gatherings in the Town Square of old were vibrant and informal. The discussions were the stuff of our nation’s history. We can replicate it here in our local — very local — newspaper Stockbridge Updates. There are issues before us that would benefit from community discourse. Weigh in.

Discussion topic for the next Town Square: What if you could only save one thing in Stockbridge? What one thing says Stockbridge more than any other? What would it be? Rockwell’s Main Street? The Old Growth Forest? The Lake? Tanglewood? Weigh in. (400 words or less, deadline July 26 — thank you).

Discussion in this Issue: In this round of Covid Relief allocation (the American Rescue Plan Act), Stockbridge will receive approximately $500,000. How would you like to see that spent?

From Andrea Sholler:

I’d like to suggest a couple of uses for a small portion of the $500,000 coming to Stockbridge.

1. Install EV charging stations at the beach and boat launch and charge for usage so that the town is both providing a service and earning income.

2. Add canoe/paddle berths at the boat launch in addition to the ones at the beach.

From Diane Reuss:

I think that a few dollars could be spent sprucing up our Main Street with flowers in pots placed next to each bench and pots also round the Dog and Cat Fountain — while I realize that it is being repaired this could at least be fluffed up a bit. We are all most certainly proud of our quaint village — and summer has arrived — I think that pride of township should and needs to look welcoming.

From Paul and Lenore Sundberg:

There is considerable dismay among residents of Interlaken now that the Town has closed the Curtisville Old Stone Bridge on Interlaken Cross Road to pedestrians. The Town has simultaneously put a roadblock on a favorite walking path, and created an aesthetic nightmare at this location; formerly this historic place was one of the most picturesque spots in town.

While we understand the need for the new steel utility bridge to maintain services should the stone bridge collapse, the new bridge is probably the ugliest thing in town. It seems that the Town has also violated a bylaw which prohibits chain-link fencing, which is the second ugliest thing in town.

We have a proposal to resolve these issues. With some part of the $500,000 available, the Town could construct a wooden footbridge with handrails on top of the steel utility bridge. This would provide a safe walking path, and at the same time it would obscure the ugly steel structure. Secondly, attractive wooden fencing should be used to replace the chain-link fences; the area would still be secure, and legal, but much more attractive. We are pleased to see that the Town plans to replace the cement cubes with simulated cast stone barriers. Maybe to complement these improvements, the Laurel Hill Association could be asked to provide some nice plantings.

From Bruce Blair:

I traveled over the holiday recently and at a party, the topic of the latest federal assistance to towns came up. I asked people what they would do for a town like Stockbridge with the $500,000 we expected to receive. As is often the case, several people had been to Stockbridge and voiced their love for the town.

“You don’t need any money there, just give it back”, one said

“Your problem is keeping out what you don’t need”, said another. “Keep it Stockbridge.”

“Have a big party and celebrate being Stockbridge!”, someone said.

There were some points here that stuck with me — like keeping out what you don’t need. Some people still want large scale real estate and business development in town, which would surely impact the tourist industry. Keep it Stockbridge. People love this place as it is, look around.

Infrastructure? The bridge repairs are now running smoothly and nearly done. The fountains and the chime tower will be repaired as well. There is still Proctor Hall and the Red Lion intersection. $500,000 here covers….what?

The Bowl? There are a lot of weeds in the bowl. It’s also home to giant houses, lawyers, realtors, scientists, strong opinions, 500,000 kayaks, etc. Rough waters. I am adrift. Out of my depth. Maybe $500,000 only gets you a 3 hour cruise there these days.

Affordable housing? It’s safe to say that, for nearly every person on earth, nothing here is affordable. Balance escapes us lately. How many teachers live here? Social workers? RNs? Grocery store managers? What could $500,000 do for us on this?

What should Stockbridge do with $500,000? Maybe we should ask ourselves! Let’s ask everybody who pays taxes, runs a business, works from home, is retired, has kids (yes, there are more than you think), old, young, wealthy, unwealthy (yes, there are more than you think). If you’ve lived here for more than 50 years or less than 5 minutes, let’s hear from you.

Many people are still recovering from the town meeting, so let’s all put our (consultant-free) thoughts in writing. Write as much or as little as you like. Send your thoughts to Stockbridge Updates. And let’s take a little time. Mr. Canales will keep an eye on the $500,000 check.

And maybe we can still have a party and count our blessings as well.

The Last Word

Reader to Reader: We Got Mail

Dear Carole,

As a new subscriber and a fairly recent full-time resident of Stockbridge, I wanted to tell you how impressed I am with [Stockbridge Updates]. It’s valuable, smart and really nicely designed. Thanks so much for your very important contribution to building our community!

Liz (Elizabeth McCarthy)

Dear Liz,

Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging words about Stockbridge Updates — our local — very local — newspaper.

Carole

* * ^ * *

Dear Carole,

The Fountain Committee was very pleased to receive funding for the restoration of the Cat and Dog Fountain and the Watering Trough at the annual town meeting in June through the Community Preservation Act fund. Thank you to all Stockbridge residents for funding this project; we will keep you posted on the work through Stockbridge Updates.

Hilary Deely, president of the Laurel Hill Association, has been very helpful providing input on plantings and a sign. Thank you, Hilary!

Also very exciting, we received a generous donation from Dr. and Mrs. Valerie and Allen Hyman. The Hymans moved to Stockbridge full-time last year after owning a home in Stockbridge for many years. We were delighted to receive an email expressing interest in the fountain restorations. Thank you, Valerie and Allen!

Sincerely,

Kate Fletcher
Bob Jones
Carl Sprague
GeGe Kingston

Dear Fountain Committee,

How nice, and thank you for all you do.

Carole

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Dear Carole,

In response to a letter asking about opting-in to Chapter 90 section 17c (municipal speed control over town streets) I brought this up and this was discussed my first year in office with the Select Board, Chief Fennelly and the Town Administrator — the opt-in sounds simple but requires specific traffic studies and documentation with associated costs in both dollars and manpower. We can certainly take another look, but it might require an appropriation and opt-in approved by voters.

At the time, it was deemed more urgent to respond to the voter’s wishes regarding the Red Lion Inn and East/East Main Street intersections and the Main Street corridor that had just been voted on. Instead, we posted 20 mph signs on Main Street although they are below the 30 mph limit mandated by the Commonwealth.

Bringing this up directly with the Select Board might be an appropriate way to have this reconsidered.

Roxanne McCaffrey
Chairman, Select Board

Dear Roxanne,

Thanks for sharing.

Carole

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Hello Carole…

Thank you for your well-reasoned editorial about the “Rest of the River” agreement and your questions about the “legal fees”. May this be the spark that ignites a demand for answers from the voters of Stockbridge.

The “RoR” agreement was sophistry. It proposes a PCB dump in the middle of Berkshire County. More specifically, in the north end of the Town of Lee, just yards away from, and uphill from, the Housatonic River.

The “RoR” agreement undid years of a tacit agreement to remove the PCBs from the river — which stores them now due to decades of dumping by GE — and transport the toxic materials from Berkshire County to already established approved sites in other areas.

Without the knowledge, without any access to information, without input by the voters, an agreement was signed to allow this. Boards from Sheffield, Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lenox, the City of Pittsfield, and sadly, Lee, bought into this deal.

Yet another egregious fact is that all municipalities were represented by one law firm. This isn’t even done in real estate closings. Five towns and a city, all distinctly diverse and different using one source for legal counsel. How can this be?

One can’t blame the residents in any of these municipalities. They didn’t know. Given the response of your representative, the voters of Stockbridge still don’t know. That is disturbing.

Lee is appealing the outrage in Berkshire County Superior Court. There is an appeal by the Housatonic River Initiative before the EPA Appeals Board. Private citizens are reaching into their own pockets to finance these.

I lived in Stockbridge for eighteen years. I served and volunteered. I am asking you as friends and neighbors to please awake. Take the time to educate yourselves. Find the answers to all the questions posed in Owens’ editorial. We have been victimized by a closed process that excluded the citizenry. You are financing this. Speak out now.

Although I am a sitting member of the Select Board of Lee, I am writing this as a private citizen.

Bob Jones

Dear Bob,

I suppose if Stockbridge Updates has a primary purpose, it is to get information to the people and encourage them to demand answers to any questions left unanswered. Thank you for your thoughts.

Best wishes, Carole