Editorial

Community

Observing Town meetings for over a year, there is a common concern: enforcement. A well-known adage: there is no law without consequences.

Bylaws are laws. Stockbridge either enforces them or loses control over what happens in our village. Limiting what property owners can do, and limiting what individuals can do, in furtherance of the common good, is the point of laws.

An overlay district is a layer of standards applied in addition to (over) the extant bylaw. IT defines a district and grants it special protection. The Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) grants extra protection to a lake dear to all of us. The protection is granted in full knowledge that what happens on shore enhances or endangers The Bowl. Everyone, perhaps especially those living on the lake, in their own interest, should observe every word of LPOD. Nonetheless…

The Conservation Commission (ConCom) had great difficulty encouraging and finally demanding that one lakeside owner correct violations. At a recent ConCom meeting, frustration boiled over due to continued noncompliance. ConCom suggested fines to encourage compliance. Even with that set of circumstances, the Select Board issued a Special Permit to the owner to build.

When a member of ConCom attended a Select Board (SB) meeting to ask why, he was told the SB had no choice. If that were true, what is the point of the special permit process? If that were true, what do the following words mean?

Stockbridge Town Counsel: “Special permit granting authorities possess broad discretion when evaluating a request for a special permit. Even if the record reveals that a desired special permit could lawfully be granted by the board…the board retains discretionary authority to deny the permit.”

Mass General Law c.40A – 9: “Special permits may be issued only for uses which are in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance…and such permits may also impose conditions, safeguards, and limitations on time or use.”

In fact, SB granted the permit with one condition. Did something prevent SB from attaching a second condition: that the owner comply with ConCom requirements and correct violations before commencing building?

Enforcement appears to be a concern across our government. Town Boards, commissions, and committees working as a community and reinforcing one another, can strengthen our government, our representatives, and enforcement of our bylaws. In turn that better protects our community and our community assets.

Carole Owens Managing Editor

News

About Covid:

Directive from Tri Town Health:

“We are asking the community to rally together once again.”

On September 2, 2021, at the Tri-Town Joint Boards of Health meeting, the Boards authorized and issued a COVID-19 Public Health Directive. “We have seen multiple cases linked to outdoor events, food establishments, and schools. The case counts are steadily rising. We are hereby respectfully requesting — to combat COVID-19 spread — a directive for face coverings.”

A Message from Charles Kenny MD, Chair,
and Jim Wilusz RS, Director, Tri-Town Health Department

We are reminded by the 20-year anniversary of 9-11 that an enemy killed almost 3,000 Americans. We know we must not let down our guard in the future. Another enemy has entered our country and already killed more than 650,000 Americans, including over 18,000 in Massachusetts alone. This enemy is among us and continues to wage war against us. Like the Department of Defense in a war against a human enemy, during an epidemic, the CDC wages war against a disease. Both departments have the same mandate: protect our homeland and its citizens. Boards of health are the local command posts of the home guard.

The negatives of guns and masks are well understood, especially by veterans and hospital workers. Most of us recognize our responsibility, when the enemy is upon us, to take up our weapons in spite of their drawbacks. Masks, social distancing and vaccines are our weapons to defeat the enemy in a war against a disease.

It has come to our attention as director and chair of the Tri-Town Health Department that a resident of Stockbridge has been systematically spreading misinformation to undermine the directives of the Boards of Health and CDC.

In a war against a human enemy, such a person, who would tell you that your enemy was not so dangerous when that enemy had already killed 650,000 of your fellow citizens, or who would tell you to lay down your arms and not protect your fellow citizens against that enemy, would be imprisoned for treason, sedition, or subversive activity.

We ask the responsible citizens of our communities to support their local boards of health and to deplore publicly the subversive behavior of this misguided individual.

Charles Kenny MD, chair
Jim Wilusz RS, Director

Stockbridge Updates joins in:

SU supports following all health directives. Stockbridge was a safe haven during the first surge of the pandemic because we followed all health directives. No one liked it but sensible and caring people — those who prize the life and health of their families, their community, and themselves — did it. Please ignore emails offering misinformation and bad advice, follow responsible health directives, and take care of yourselves. Thank you.

News

Events

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden:
   1. Sept 16 Level II Horticultural Certification Program — open for registration
   2. Berkshire Botanical Garden Yoga in the Garden Thursdays 5:15- 6::30
   
   Editor’s note: Executive Director Mike Beck — thank you for all you’ve done for the Berkshire Botanical Garden. Enjoy London and all of those wonderful English gardens.
   
2. Norman Rockwell Museum Exhibitions through October 31:
   1. “A History of Fantasy Illustration” and “Norman Rockwell: The Art of Persuasion: a collection of Rockwell’s advertising work”
   2. On the NRM grounds look for the Rockwell Family Apple Grove (organic apples, look ugly, taste great)

News

Notes from the Select Board, August 26, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Patrick White
• Chuck Cardillo

Also present: Michael Canales, Town Administrator; Lori Robbins, Trustee for 20 Mahkeenac

1. 20 Mahkeenac requested a special permit. At issue:
   1. The proposed house will be in the Lake and Pond Overlay District (LOPD).
   2. Apparently, the LPOD Bylaw requires that if a house is torn down, the new house must be the same size or smaller. This request is for a much bigger house. The tear down was 1428 sq. ft and the proposed house will be over 2000 sq. ft.
   3. The request is predicated on assertion that original estimate of sq. ft. was incorrect and should have been larger by 988 sq. ft. (a space 38 x 26 feet).
   4. That would make the original house 1428 + 988= 2416 sq. ft. — larger than the current request. However, the original house was torn down by the current owner and the claim cannot be substantiated. Special Permit for 20 Mahkeenac postponed pending review and comment from Town Counsel.
2. Hilary Deely spoke about Laurel Hill Day August 28.
3. Harvey Waller spoke about the 3-day coaching weekend October 9, 10, and 11 2021. The coaches will come through Stockbridge along Main Street on Sunday October 10 at approximately 11:15 a.m. All are invited to come and watch the parade of carriages. Update: due to Covid this event has been cancelled.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s question and note: 1. If the original house was bigger than reported, are back taxes owed for those years? That is, are real estate taxes based in part on square footage? 2. Thank you to our marvelous Laurel Hill Association and Coaching Society, Hilary Deely and Harvey Waller, for bringing so much beauty to Stockbridge. And thank you to the Select Board Chair for adding them to the agenda.

News

Notes from the Board of Health, August 30, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Charles Kenny, Chair
• Henry Schwerner
• Rae Williams

Also present: Jim Wilusz, Dr. Louis Korman, and Beth Nathan

1. Minutes approved as recorded.
2. Public Hearing continued — 20 Mahkeenac Shores Road
3. Lake Drive Association (LDA) request for connection to Town sewer.
   1. Wilusz’s suggestion for shared septic was reviewed by LDA and it prefers connection to sewer.
   2. Nathan recounted her efforts to date and mentioned that SB Chair Roxanne McCaffrey was incorrect in asserting Water and Sewer had money available for engineering study. She also learned that they have a five-year plan that does not include a hookup for LDA.
   3. Kenny interjected that he wanted respect shown for the hard-working members of the SB even when wrong.
   4. Nathan responded that she meant no disrespect and was simply recounting — accurately — what happened to date.
4. Age Friendly Berkshire was mentioned and BOH members wanted to know if it is more than a web site? If so, what do they do?
5. BOH desires handicapped parking at the Transfer station and asked if there was any progress?
6. Wilusz reported that Tri-Town Health cannot mandate mask wearing since the Commonwealth lifted the mandate but voted to recommend mask wearing and to lead by example. Dr. Korman supported masks and vaccinations to reduce risk as well as avoiding large crowds.
7. Kenny recommended hybrid meetings to continue both to reduce risk and to make government more accessible to “the people for whom we are working”.
   1. It was moved and passed unanimously that hybrid meetings continue indefinitely.
   2. Wilusz recommended that the vote be shared with state elected officials such as Smitty Pignatelli who could move for a Commonwealth mandate for continued hybrid meetings.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s notes: 1. The Chair’s recommendation about respecting others was a good one, but it is equally important to correct inaccurate information. Nathan appeared to do that without any negativity. 2. Link to web site for Age Friendly Berkshire is: https://berkshireplanning.org/projects/age-friendly-berkshires-website/)

News

Notes from the Select Board September 2, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Patrick White

Also present: Michael Canales, Lori Robbins, Bill Loutrel, Anita Schwerner

1. Continuation of Special Permit Hearing to consider the application of Lori A. Robbins (Trustee of the Emerald Lake Nominee Trust) for property located at 20 Mahkeenac Shores Road
   1. White suggested that the intent of the bylaw was to restrict density around the lake and to prevent small houses being replaced with much bigger houses. If the bylaw is not clearly written, SB has the right and responsibility to qualify the bylaw by writing regulations.
   2. McCaffrey disagreed “We are not here to consider the bylaw but to approve or disapprove the special permit.” However, she did recommend placing a condition on the Special Permit. The condition, in line with the wording of the application, would limit the basement to storage space and not living space.
   3. Abutter Bill Loutrel said the basement has sliding glass doors and opens onto a patio and “cannot imagine that is for storage only.”
   4. Robbins disagreed with McCaffrey’s suggested condition and said according to Mass General Law the SB “cannot regulate the interior”. Robbins suggested a different condition: limiting exterior cubic measurement to no more than previous dwelling, and the interior habitable space not to exceed 2130 sq.ft.
   5. Again, White attempted to suggest the SB “clarify through regulation” a part of the bylaw that is (and has been) unclear.
   6. Again, McCaffrey said it was a topic for another meeting.
   7. Additional question about building height: the Building Inspector would not approve plans if the height were greater than the 35 ft allowed in Stockbridge.
   8. Robbins read the order of compliance i.e., same footprint, remains still single family dwelling, no increase in traffic, and no increased pressure on utilities.
   9. Robbin’s suggested condition was adopted.
2. SB reviewed and voted to remain a Single Precinct (A municipality may be divided for policing or sometimes voting purposes — Stockbridge is undivided.).
3. The employee evaluation process and schedule: Canales will evaluate Town employees over the winter; Canales is evaluated by SB.
4. Weed Harvesting:
   1. Perhaps the second (backup) harvester can get in the water before Josh Billings Run Aground scheduled for September 19.
   2. Cardillo said “only if GPS is working”
   3. Loutrel requested harvesting continue and be done as often as possible as weeds are very heavy this year
   4. White said harvesting should start immediately; buy a new GPS if the other one is damaged. White also recommended that harvesting continue into October, and that there be a final harvesting to eliminate weeds just before winter
5. Schwerner asked if anyone knew why harvester capsized. McCaffery said it was being investigated.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission, September 3, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• John Loiodice, Vice Chair
• Michael Nathan
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• Michael Buffoni
• Present via Zoom:
• Jim Wilusz
• Charles Kenny
• Louis Korman
• Bruce Ruben

1. Approved Minutes from 08/20/21
2. Harvesting: second harvester ready to go. Need to check if GPS is operable and the cost of transporting “Big Green Harvester” to The Bowl.
3. Kenny reported on the Tri-Town Health meeting:
   1. Covid cases in Lenox, Lee and Stockbridge rose over the summer with major increases in two of three towns and stability — no rise — in Stockbridge.
   2. In 45% – 62% of cases, the person was vaccinated.
   3. Efficacy of the vaccinations falls off; it falls off fastest with J&J.
   4. First vaccination booster centers will open on Stockbridge September 21.
4. Wilusz reported that masks are recommended, not mandated. If the recommendation does not work, and cases continue to rise, Tri-Town will mandate masks.
5. Lake Drive Association’s continues wan to be added to sewer.
6. Buffoni, Water Superintendent
   1. “Purpose of SBSC to maintain water quality.” Does lakeside houses connecting to sewer relate to water quality in the lake? Prosphate and nitrate levels seem low and safe. (Generally higher is septic leaking or seeping into lake
   2. “If this weather is the new norm [persistent heavy rains], there will be work to do on the sewers”
   3. Water testing continued June, July, August, and September.
7. Discussion returned to the harvester.
   1. Nathan questioned putting the second harvester in the water
   2. Louis Korman asked that the cuttings (harvested weeds) be collected; not allowed to wash up on shore.
   3. McCaffrey said the cuttings were on shore because harvester capsized, and cuttings dumped.
   4. Bruce Ruben once drove the harvesters. He said the harvester that capsized was smaller and could not collect all it cuts. He added the Town should “get going” with the harvesting. Buy a GPS if the other is broken.
8. After a few people spoke about need for harvesting excessive weeds due to rain and/or and lack of harvesting in 2020, Nathan withdrew his objection. Ruben volunteered to drive the Big Green Harvester.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors, September 7, Hybrid meeting.

Present

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

1. Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) used to perform utility evaluations, but now local governments perform them, or hire a consultant, and then transmit the information to DOR. Blay wrote a letter to DOR communicating the new utilities values for NStar, Berkshire Gas, and Mass Electric. Taxes are based on the evaluations. This year there are “big increases” in the evaluations. These are called “the 504″s because State Class Code 504 is “business personal property owned by regulated public utility companies.”
2. Forest, agricultural/horticultural, and recreational lands are classified, valued and taxed according to Mass General Law Ch.61, 61A and 61B, and are called Chapter lands. Chapter lands in Stockbridge were renewed.
3. MGL 41A is a Tax Deferral Program for the elderly. The Commonwealth allows Elderly Real estate Tax Exemptions based on age and income. If granted, taxes are not paid until the person sells the house or dies. When that happens there is also an interest payment.
   
   Currently every municipality in MA can offer the exemption to elderly residents earning less than $20,000. The municipality can also raise/lower that annual income figure to qualify. Some municipalities have the income figure as high as $50,000/annually.
   
   The taxes plus interest are paid back when the house is sold or the taxpayer dies. The municipality can adjust the interest rate (now at 8%). Some municipalities have lowered it to 1% to 4%. These conditions are reviewed annually and both qualifying income and interest rate can be adjusted. Adjustments must be done at Town Meeting (TM). Since adjustments must be reported in April, and our TM is in May, Blay predicts no changes can be put into effect prior to 2023.
4. Changes in Stockbridge in both new growth and increased valuation of property are significant according to Blay. This will affect taxes. Blay wants to take time posting the new tax rate both because of changes and also because of new staff at Town Hall. (LA-3, LA-4, LA-13 & LA-15 are property classification codes based on property use.)
5. The Appellate Tax Board Case will hear a case on September 28. At issue is the Desisto School property owner’s desire to defer taxes and the Town’s refusal. The Tax Board will decide. Blay hopes it is not postponed.
6. The Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program: Tom Stokes reported that the first meeting is September 10. Arranging for these to be Hybrid meetings. Members are Stokes, Chair; Jay Bikofsky, Gary Pitney, and Roxanne McCaffrey, Select Board Representative.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from Water and Sewer Commission September 7, Hybrid Meeting

Present: Don Schneyer, Chair

• John Loiodice
• Peter Socha
• Jennifer Carmichael, Secretary

Also present: Michael Buffoni, Water Superintendent and Tony Campetti, Sewer Superintendent

1. Minutes from August 10 approved.
2. Policy for sewer abatement: discussion of when to abate and when not to. Socha wanted “more teeth”, that is, stronger enforcement. Loiodice said since there were so few instances and such a small amount of money involved, he preferred to foster good will by abating. Final decision appeared to be to decide each situation individually.
3. Tuckerman Bridge: Town Administrator Canales and Forsythe Land Services will assess how much weight the bridge can carry. On that basis they will determine if work can go forward.
4. Campetti reports:
   1. Park Street pump station getting under way.
   2. It is illegal for individuals to divert sump pump water into the sewer but apparently that is being done on Park St. There will be an inspection to determine if any residents are diverting such water to sewer. Prior to that a letter will go out with information about the law and the fine ($20/day)
   3. With heavy rains, new problems. One example, dye placed at Maple Street showed up on Elm and into sewer. “Stay tuned” for more results.
   4. Water Haulers late fees: everyone is paid up. In the future, if they have not paid after 30-60 days, cut them off until they pay. Should fee be increased?
5. Buffoni reports:
   1. Water Shed inspection went well
   2. How much water does Stockbridge Bowl hold? In 1931, Joseph Franz drilled holes and determined an amount. Apparently, there was more water in the lake in 1931, however Buffoni asked GZA (water resources consultant) for a price to measure today for comparison. Is the change drastic?
   3. Loiodice reported the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission discussed the Lake Drive Association and its desire to hook up to sewer. An alternative suggested by Jim Wilusz was a community sewer. Loiodice said one issue is who pays for what?
   4. The health implications for the lake should be considered.
   5. Buffoni said the phosphorus and nitrate levels are very low — indicating very little leakage from septics and general good health of the lake.
   6. White noted that a report (from the Commonwealth?) was wrong by confusing Laurel Lake and Stockbridge Bowl — Buffoni would ask that it be corrected.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Planning Board (PB), September 7, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Bill Vogt, Chair
• Arie Rafferty, Vice Chair
• Gary Pitney
• Wayne Slosek
• Nancy Socha

Present via Zoom:

• Kate Fetcher
• Carl Sprague

1. Minutes from 8/17/2021 approved.
2. 55 Interlaken Rd sign permit — Berkshire Country Day School — no one present for BCDS — postponed.
3. Discussion of open points in NHRPZ draft bylaw continued. We urge those interested to watch Community Television South Berkshire (CTSB), judge for yourselves, and form your own opinion. Open conversations like these are wide ranging, and the meaning should not be lost.
   1. However certain moments stand out. For example, one PB member looked up from the draft and said, “I don’t agree with any of this”.
   2. Another member declared the way it is written is “ridiculously vague… I don’t understand any of this.”
   3. A third suggested it was “boiler plate” and possibly written for another community in MA.
   4. At prior meetings two other members said they did not think the bylaw was either good for Stockbridge or necessary.
4. The Chair announced he did not approve of a house built with PB permission and approval. They discussed how that might have happened. The Chair thought PB could not refuse approval or only had a narrow window to disapprove. Fletcher suggested a training meeting perhaps with Town Counsel to clarify PB’s breadth and limits of authority.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s Notes: 1. It appears the majority of members of PB do not like the consultant’s proposed bylaw. Perhaps this is the time for PB to pause and take a vote to determine if that is true and if they should continue to consider NHRPZ or stop. $80,000 has been requested for PB consultants — some already spent; some assigned to the NHRPZ consultant. If the majority does not wish to continue it would save taxpayers money and would save the time and effort of PB members. 2. Previously SU asked if NHRPZ creates more land accessible to the public than either R4 or R2? In this meeting the question was answered. No, none of the land conserved by NHRPZ is necessarily accessible to the public. c. All board, committee and commission members should be aware that those attending via Zoom can hear all conversations even when whispered. Voices are amplified. Conversations possibly meant to be private are heard and such conversations interfere with hearing the speaker.

News

Notes from the Zoning Board of Appeals, September 7, In-Person Meeting

Public hearing: On behalf of Chesterwood, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is appealing a Notice of Violation from the Building Inspector with regard to property at 4 Williamsville Road.

Approximately 25 residents attended this in-person meeting to support Chesterwood. Many spoke to support the non-profit.

ZBA members pointed out this violation was not a question of whether the Town supports Chesterwood; rather, it concerned the subletting of a building on its property to a local for-profit gallery, which is a violation of the Town’s zoning bylaws.

Building Inspector Ned Baldwin answered questions from both Board members and the audience. The matter was continued to September 14.

News

Notes from the Cemetery Commission, September 8, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Karen Marshall, Chair
• Patrick White, SB
• Roxanne McCaffrey, SB
• Chris Marsden
• Michael Canales
• Hugh Page

Two others present were in masks and were not identified by Chair

1. July 2 minutes approved
2. Vendor proposals for condition assessment of headstones in oldest section. Lowest bid — $23,200 — approved
3. Management and removal of overgrown plant material inside the cemetery. (Please note: NOT the external hedges that border the cemetery.) Living relatives will be notified about date of removal so they can remove and take away any sentimental plantings.
4. Twice a year (April 15 and November 1) small and temporary objects like planters will be removed. Kate Fletcher via Zoom asked about “permanent” planters which were intended to be at graveside at all times. Final decision unclear but sounded as if larger, heavier planters in good shape can remain.
5. Maintenance of gravel drives. Determined not to use weed killers so would like public to be cognizant and not complain about a few weeds in gravel.
6. Chair wished to set up regular meetings on fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 am.
7. Burial records over the past four years incomplete — Marsden is working on it.
8. Consider raising cemetery fees — any action postponed.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Select Board Meeting, September 9, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Patrick White
• Michael Canales
• John Hart

1. Minutes approved
2. One day liquor license for Chesterwood for a wedding on October 24 at 11am approved.
3. Appointments to the Housing Trust: Mark Mills, Nancy Socha, Jay Bikofsky, Tom Sharp and SB representative Patrick White
4. Appointments to PILOT: Tom Stokes, Gary Pitney, Jay Bikofsky, and SB representative Roxanne McCaffrey
5. Tri-Town Health directive was repeated: wear masks indoors except if sitting and eating, servers wear masks at all times, and attendees wear masks at events
6. Covid statistics: Lee — July (2) August (36); Lenox — July (8) August (29); Stockbridge — July (9) August (9)
7. Covid vaccinations available September 21 between 2-4 pm at Town Hall Parking Lot
8. Josh Billings drop off will be at Tanglewood but with NO events or picnicking
9. John Hart asked, why, when ConCom sited violations at 20 Mahkeenac, did SB approve a special permit for the property?
   1. McCaffrey said “what happened in ConCom is irrelevant to SB deliberations”.
   2. Kate Fletcher via Zoom agreed with John and suggested there should be more training and communication between boards. See SU editorial

Around Town

Reader to Reader: We Got Mail

Hi Carole,

I hope you’re doing well and haven’t been swept away by the incessant rain!

SU is a community gem, and you deserve much credit for keeping it lustrous. I have one small beef. You state that “SU is a public service with a simple purpose: to inform the voters….”

That well-intended line manages to exclude all of us second-homeowners, since second homeowners do not have the right to vote!

I don’t really think you intended this. Assuming I am right, you may want to amend the statement to read “to inform the citizens…” or something more inclusive.

Thanks,

Larry Ackerman

Dear Larry,

Thank you for the “catch”, Larry, and you are right. Your sentiment is reflected in SU‘s Statement of Purpose below.

Best wishes as always,

Carole

Dear Carole,

Regarding Marie Raftery’s letter to Stockbridge Updates in the last issue, please — I urge everyone in town to see the video of the meeting in question. My letter was read in part and referred to at that Planning Board meeting and is actually on the CTSB recording. My name as the author is heard in the recording.

This makes the letter a matter of public record and this was how Stockbridge Updates became aware of it. Stating that the letter was not part of the meeting is not true.

The Planning Board minutes do not constitute a complete record of Board proceedings, nor are they required to. It has been impossible, in my opinion, to use these minutes to understand the scope and purpose of the Chair’s agenda over the past year. The town’s meeting minutes are often incomplete. The town’s website is not a comprehensive resource.

I respectfully disagree that the points in my letter have been addressed. I believe residents would benefit if the Board would document its contentions that we are losing population, and that our taxes will go down if we develop housing clusters. Can the Board document projected infrastructure impacts and costs that the town would incur? Has the Board considered public sentiment in promoting such a massive change in our bylaws? What will Stockbridge look like after this kind of development takes hold?

Transparency in government is good thing. Stockbridge Updates plays an important role in helping this happen. The First Amendment comes first for a reason!

Sincerely,

Bruce Blair

Dear Bruce,

Thank you for your kind words about SU. To touch on your other points: according to the 2020 census, Stockbridge is one of the few towns in Berkshire County that grew in population 2010 – 2020. Moreover, in 2020, its LACK of density attracted the biggest growth in sales and prices in decades. In their “flight to safety” during the pandemic, city-folks were searching for small town USA. For those who wanted more real estate tax income — they just got it by NOT developing.

Best wishes,

Carole

Endnotes: Amphibian and Reptilian

Editor’s Note: To all of the Stockbridge Updates photographers, thank you! You keep our readers scrolling and make every issue stand out.