Editorial

Editorial: Our Town, Our Turn, Our Obligation

We pay taxes all over the country — room tax, food tax, sales tax, train, plane, and taxi tax, but we can only vote in one place. We can only vote at prescribed times. This is our place, and this is our moment when we the voters decide.

On May 15, at Town Meeting, we approve our laws and the money we are willing to spend. On May 16, we vote for those we think will best represent us. We express ourselves. 

We have done a pretty good job over the 284 years. Some blunders, some true insights, some magic moments, and some foolish flubs brought us here and here is a good place to be. 

Ironically our crowning achievement is becoming our undoing, but we can recognize the problem in all its complexity and subtlety, and vote for the laws and the people that will guide us through it. What is the crowning achievement causing all the problems? We made this a lovely, clean, open, and friendly place to be and now everyone wants to be here. 

For centuries, we did well; our decisions were sound. We’re pretty smart. Let’s do the right things, one more time — please attend Town Meeting and let the representatives know what you do and do not support. Vote and get the folks into office who will lead us in what we agree is the right direction. 

We have the steering of our course, we know what we want, and this is the time to express it. 

Show up and speak your mind. Show up and vote.

Our Town, Our Turn, Our Obligation — don’t squander the opportunity.

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

News

SU — FYI

1. Register now for the Berkshire Nonprofit Awards

1. Register now for the Berkshire Nonprofit Awards, breakfast, and networking. May 23, $45 per person

Contact to reserve: https://npcberkshires.org.

2. Meet the Candidates Saturday May 13 10am Town Offices Gym

Candidate Forum/Debate for candidates in contested races — Stockbridge Select Board and Parks and Recreation — sponsored by League of Women Voters of Central Berkshire County. Meet and Greet with all candidates following the debate. Refreshments provided.

3. Town Meeting Town Offices 6:30pm Monday May 15

4. Vote May 16

News

Events

1. Norman Rockwell Annual Gala

Norman Rockwell Museum: Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director/CEO and the Board of Trustees cordially invite you to Norman Rockwell Museum’s Annual Gala A Night of Wonder, Saturday, June 10, 6pm — 10pm

Celebrating the opening of TONY SARG: GENIUS AT PLAY with a special performance by Tony/ Pulitzer/ Academy Award Nominee BOB TELSON

2. Stockbridge Library

Stockbridge Library – The Power of Poetry featuring Cathy Hailey, Tuesday, May 16 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm; Storybook Science Club, Friday, May 19, 3:45- 4:30; The Stockbridge Writer’s Group Meeting on Zoom, Wednesday 10:30 — 12 via Zoom — Writers meet — all levels welcome.

3. Berkshire Botanical Garden

Berkshire Botanical Garden — 46th Annual Plants-and-Answers Plant Sale, on May 12 and 13 Sale hours for the general public are Friday, May 12, 11 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 13, from 9 to 5 p.m. Early buying for members only will be Friday, May 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. The garden will offer free admission and free parking for all visitors.

News

Meet the Candidates

Joanne Lenski, candidate for Parks and Recreation, requested that SU post this link. It asks for public input on the needs and goals for Parks and Rec. Click and participate.

https://pinewoodscommunityassociation.surveysparrow.com/s/campaignsurvey/tt-uv4XvmuPsFkiDUnFZGmXBd?

News

Candidates Q&A

Michael Nathan: Candidate for Parks and Recreation 2023

What prompted you to run?

Parks and Recreation improve our quality of life immensely. Every age group and demographic, our children, young parents, elderly, we all benefit from our parks and beaches, new sports and recreation areas. I am running because I want to add to the already many accomplishments achieved by this Commission.

If elected, what would be your primary focus?

I met with every member of Parks and Rec, including Steve Knopf, the current chair, the Town Administrator, and the Select-Board Chair to discuss what was needed to make Parks and Recs an even greater asset to Stockbridge.

I would help create a clear master plan, a blueprint for short, medium and long-term goals that everyone can understand and collectively work towards. 

I will work closely with town citizens and departments, brainstorming ideas and work on what Stockbridge needs.

We should reach out to non-profits that might join us in donating their talents or spaces to expand programming. They could join us to educate and entertain our residents. This may perhaps include student musicians from Tanglewood, yoga lessons from Kripalu, and gardening lessons from Berkshire Botanical Garden.

What would you like voters to know about you?

As a full-time Stockbridge resident for 28 years, I have always worked on town projects.

I am entrepreneurial. At 27 (45 years ago), I started my company — designing leading edge sporting accessories for runners and cyclists. “Nathan Sports” is in every major sports retailer and specialty store. 

I want to bring my drive, focus and organizational experience to Parks & Recreation. 

My town experiences include: 

• Chairing the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission; helping draft the Stockbridge Lake Management Plan.
• Currently on the Stockbridge Bowl Dredging Committee; coordinating with state agencies, NHESP, DEP and our engineering company (GZA). 
• On the board of the Stockbridge Bowl Association-. Helped to raise over $2,000,000 for the Stockbridge Dredging/Restoration project.
• Co-founded the Zebra Mussel Monitoring Program protecting the Bowl from invasive Zebra Mussels. Kudos to monitors- no z-mussels so far!
• I drive the Bowl harvester in coordination with the Stockbridge Highway Dept. 
• Served as President of the Lake Drive Association for 6 years, during which we wrote our bylaws guiding the growth we are now experiencing.
• There is much to be done and I hope you will join me in making Parks and Recreation an even greater part of our lives. 

News

Annual Town Meeting Information

From the Desk of the Town Administrator

At the link below you will find:

• FY’24 Warrant
• FY’24 Budget
• FY’24 Capital Budget
• Proposed Sign Bylaw Changes
• Proposed Cemetery Bylaw
• Proposed Residential Inclusionary Bylaw

Click here: https://stockbridge-ma.gov/2023/05/01/annual-town-meeting-information/

News

Notes from the Select Board, April 27, 2023

Editor’s Note: SU asked which readers preferred: “Notes from” meetings or Key Take Aways? The vote was evenly split. So, until more folks vote, SU will alternate.

• Patrick White, Chair
• Jamie Minacci
• Chuck Cardillo
• Michael Canales

Public named if they spoke.

1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Alcohol licenses for Berkshire Botanical Garden and Chesterwood approved
3. Improvement of Boat Ramp
   1. For five years, Stockbridge has waited for the Commonwealth Public Access Board to repair the boat ramp — the access to Stockbridge Bowl. This year White asked Doug Cameron, MA Public Access Board again. Cameron said no money was available — it would be several years more. White suggested Stockbridge fund it and get the repairs done. The estimate from the Public Access Board was $125,000.
   2. Representatives of the 4000-member Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) supported White’s suggestion and cited the danger to people (slipping) boats (damaging bottoms of boats) trees (dying from run off and erosion and the lake itself (due to unimpeded run off into lake). BCLS was present to support White’s proposal to get the work done.
   3. Jim Balfanz representing the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club, opposed White. Although Balfanz reported that he polled the Sportsmen’s Club board and they were in favor, Balfanz disagreed. He wanted to make it clear they supported fixing the boat ramp, but he opposed using any taxpayer money. He wanted the Commonwealth to pay for it. White repeated that the Public Access Board turned down the project. Cardillo and Balfanz insisted White press them and press other elected officials (such as Smitty Pignatelli) and get money from MA. 
   4. BCLS urged the SB “don’t stop keep moving forward.” Trying to move forward, White and Canales said the Public Access Board might put in a nominal amount for engineering and permitting to get the project started if Stockbridge does. The BCLS said they would contribute. Minacci asked if the Sportsman Club would contribute, Balfanz said no. White called for a vote to place an article on Warrant for money to begin work on boat ramp (engineering and permitting). It passed unanimously. However, Cardillo voted yes but said he opposed it as Stockbridge had spent enough money on The Bowl already. 
4. White read a letter from Lee, MA asking for a joint meeting to discuss the proposed PCB dump. Minacci and Cardillo asked to table it — no action.
5. Warrant accepted with one change to Operating Budget.

Public Comment:

Harold French discussed difficulty facing Memorial Day celebration in Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, and Great Barrington. Vets aging and dying. Proposal for rotating parades in each town every three years.

Rich Bradway, Chair, Stockbridge Land Trust announced that the Stockbridge-Munsee Band with MA Municipal Vulnerability Program money will buy Fenn Farm — 315 acres on the side of Monument Mountain.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s note: Money from the Commonwealth Public Access Board or Stockbridge budget or Free Cash is all taxpayer money.

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission. April 28, 2023

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Michael Nathan
• Sally Underwood-Miller
• Patrick White
• Gary Kleinerman

Editor’s note: Jim Wilusz, Director, resigned — no rep from Tri-Town Health

1. Minutes from March 31 approved as written
2. Review elements of Public Awareness Program
   1. Proposed sign placement – at Town Beach, Boat Ramp, Dam, and ask Stockbridge Bowl Association for permission to place sign in Bullard Woods.
   2. White suggested placement of “loop maps” with the mileage
   3. Underwood-Miller regretted the number of dogs without leashes. White reminded McCaffrey that the last SB changed wording of bylaw from “leash required” to “required to control your dog”
3. Lake and Pond Overlay Bylaw rules:
   1. Maintain 35-foot buffer from water’s edge — helps lake and discourages geese.
   2. Do not remove dead trees — it is habitat for animals/birds.
   3. Only remove dead trees if hazardous.
4. Contaminated boats — The Bowl has not had much of a problem — does have a boat wash by ramp
5. Report of harvester — getting it into water earlier and enlarging area to be harvested — if possible

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from Agriculture and Forestry, May 1, 2023

• Matt Boudreau, Chair
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Via Zoom Abby Fredsall and Erik Rasmussen

1. Minutes from last meeting approved as written
2. Stuart Kelsa hired as Farmer’s Market director. The Market will be open for 6 weeks in late summer. It will be food-focused.
3. A site visit of Stockbridge Mountain is required for the Stewardship Plan. Important to carry on stewardship initiative.
4. Stockbridge will propose a Town Composting Program. Susan Waite from MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) applauded the effort. She called it laudable because of all the uses there are for compost including enriching depleted soil. Waite added that Stockbridge is probably too small for a Recycling Dividend Program.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Planning Board, May 2, 2023

• Kate Fletcher, Chair
• Lis Wheeler
• Wayne Slosek
• Marie Raftery
• Nancy Socha

1. Approved minutes from March 7 and April 4 meetings as written
2. Stockbridge qualified for the Justice 40 Initiative. The federal program makes Stockbridge eligible for grants from 300 federal agencies. A Justice 40 municipality is considered disadvantaged. Evidently based on income (not assets) of full-time residents.
3. Discussion on Short Term Rentals (STR). PB read bylaw and discussed. Questions before PB: current STR bylaw is a good start, but what parts need fixing? If the bylaw is changed, what problem is being addressed?

General agreement: 

Investors buying housing stock to rent as a business should be discouraged.

All homeowners should be allowed to rent short-term. 

Questions: 

How do STR and ADU bylaws, and affordable housing initiatives blend? How does the law distinguish between second homeowners and business investors? Stockbridge seems to have many more STRs than have registered as required by the STR bylaw; how does Town enforce the bylaw? How do the bylaws help achieve the vision of, goals for, Stockbridge?

Disagreement:

Slosek felt “that ship has sailed” (no way to maintain Stockbridge as a town — market forces have made it too expensive for the young or workers.) It is now a retirement community. Few jobs in Town.

During public comment Patty Caya wanted to discuss Vail, Colorado.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from Sewer and Water, May 2, 2023

• Peter Socha
• John Loiodice
• Tony Campetti
• Michael Buffoni
• Jennifer Carmichael, Secretary

1. The Influx and Infiltration Study uncovered a problem in Glendale — a major infiltration requiring a ten-foot excavation
2. Park Street pump station — spending money to keep old station running – while awaiting completion of new pump station — work starting soon
3. Water testing starting this month
4. Report from SBSC — weed harvesting starting in June in (hopefully) an area larger than 10 acres. (DEP permission required)
5. Major excavation required for repairs at Red Lion corner intersection
6. Leak on Tavitian property — repaired
7. McKearnan sewer extension active

Meeting adjourned

Perspective

From the Desk of Superintendent Peter Dillon — Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

Great Barrington and West Stockbridge overwhelmingly approved the school budget on Monday May 1st. Now, we’re hoping Stockbridge voters do the same on May 15th at its Town Meeting. Our budget is on our website and in the town library. We also have copies in my office. Increases are largely driven by contractual obligations, transportation contracts, and utility rates. Simultaneously, we continue to expand our grant writing and have raised more than $4 million in additional funds to support our work. We look forward to seeing you at Town Meeting.

As our work moves forward, we’re focusing on two themes: rigor and relevance. We continue to expand our CVTE (vocational programs) and are in the process of receiving approval for our expanded early childhood program as well as programs in business and small manufacturing. We are also doing a lot to support students who were impacted negatively by COVID-19. That impact can be seen in social and academic interactions as well as connections to each other. 

As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions — Peter.Dillon@bhrsd.org 

For future updates, I’ll share some details on our shifts in learning and teaching and outcomes at the 9th and 10th grade levels. 

Perspective

The Stockbridge Bowl Boat Ramp

The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) is an umbrella group that represents over 4,000 sportsmen and women in Berkshire County. The BCLS has gone on record for several years supporting erosion control improvements and the installation of a docking system at the public access ramp on Stockbridge Bowl. 

A docking system will be a huge benefit for the Commonwealth’s Lake and will assist the general public with launching vessels and also improve their public safety. 

The Public Access Board has informed the BCLS that due to work constraints and the rising cost of materials they would be unable to fund this project for several years which is unfortunate and such delay would stall any project and much needed improvements at Stockbridge Bowl indefinitely. 

Doug Cameron, head of MA Fisheries and Wildlife Public Access Board, has presented the Town with an estimate and time frame for the completion of this project. One estimate submitted is for the permitting, engineering, design, concrete pads, and docks installed. The second estimate, separate from the docks, is for permitting, design, engineering for installing erosion control and improved drainage near the inland bank and new docking systems. 

We are very confident that the town’s Conservation Commission will agree that this scope of work will greatly enhance and stabilize bank erosion, curb non-point source pollution, and improve the health of the existing aging oak trees and their current exposed root systems. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Editor’s Note: 1. Berkshire County League of Sportsmen President is Wayne McLain and Daniel Miraglia is BCLS Representative 2. The charge of the Public Access Board is to provide access to the state’s waterways.

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Editor’s Note: Stockbridge Updates posted every letter and every candidate’s Q&A it received during this election cycle. 

To the Editor:

Patrick White knows Stockbridge, the people, the land, the heritage. Rather than promote big scale housing/resort projects, he looks for creative ideas and solutions that match the scale and character of Rockwell’s small town. Scale matters here.

Mr. White listens to all sides, including second homeowners, and is not afraid to change his mind. He is sometimes outspoken. I believe that some of our part time homeowners, along with a few full timers looking to make political gains, have responded to him in ways which mischaracterize some of his earnest, occasionally outside the box options and ideas for balance. As we continue shifting to a mostly second hometown, we need his energy to look at the impact of change and new ways to meet it.

Mr. White does not align himself with behind the scenes or personal agendas when it comes to Stockbridge. I believe Ms. McCaffrey disregarded many full and part time taxpaying residents when she apparently contacted the outside developer to return and present the same large- scale housing/resort building project that the town had already declined to support.

Stockbridge has always been a multi-faceted attraction, benefiting the economy of the entire region. It will not do so much longer if becomes an over-built, commercialized parody of itself. The goose that lays the golden eggs will be lost, a concept that some ignore in their quest for more building, ditching our Green Necklace zoning bylaws. Residents will be left holding the bag, with only Rockwell prints to remind of us of our heritage.

This election is about the character of Stockbridge. Mr. White has the fortitude, commitment, and capability to take on the challenges and find solutions, not behind closed doors, but where everyone can see. Saving the heritage, the unique natural beauty, and the disappearing small- town vibe of Stockbridge, while balancing market forces, is the job.

Stockbridge must vote. Not 30 percent, 50 percent. All of us. Re-elect Patrick White. He is a smart and energetic public servant. He loves this town and wears his heart on his sleeve, a big heart. Scale matters.

Bruce Blair 

To the editor:

I am supporting an elected finance committee and here’s why.

For nearly two decades the Finance Committee has followed a policy of deferring maintenance for the town’s physical resources in favor of keeping taxes somewhere south of what was needed to responsibly maintain them in a timely way. The committee gratified an immediate desire for low taxes at the needlessly high expense of that neglect to future taxpayers. The historic Curtisville and Tuckerman bridges are good examples. These bridges should have been maintained at the cost of a few hundred thousand dollars each, back when the need became known, but a low tax rate was prioritized over taking good care of the people’s property and now these bridges must be replaced at a cost of several million each and the originals being consigned to history. The Larrywaug Bridge was allowed to deteriorate to the point where it cost millions to replace and was closed for two years.

With deferred maintenance, equipment falls into disrepair forcing replacement sooner than later at higher prices – as had to be done last year with much of the town’s equipment. Working with ill-maintained tools makes it a struggle to provide the services we expect.

Remember “FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD”? Back when John Lindsay presided over Fun City the fun was being financed by deferring maintenance on the city’s infrastructure. You know the rest.

If we had the money, would any of us allow our home to deteriorate to the point of dilapidation just so we could avoid the cost of repair? Belonging to the Stockbridge community, the town is in every sense our home. This town has always had the money. Just look around you.

The policy of our Finance Committee epitomizes the expression, “Penny wise and pound foolish.” It is the policy of a committee appointed by the same person for the last forty-three years. These appointments are anything but apolitical. They are just very closely held. Current committee members are responsible for the committee’s policies and if they are proud of them, let them be their platform when they stand for election.

We need a range of voices, fresh voices, on the Finance Committee. Let’s open it up to new ideas and new approaches. Let’s see the resume of candidates to help make sure each member is qualified. Let’s make the finance committee accountable to the voters.

Brent Wiggans

To the editor:

I am writing to express my support for Patrick White’s reelection to the Stockbridge Select Board. He is committed to addressing the complex issues of these changing times as they affect the wellbeing of us all. His diligence, inclusiveness, honesty, and respect for differing points of view promote transparency and citizen engagement in town governance. He also brings with it a good and caring heart for his town, fellow residents, nature, and animals.

If you live in Stockbridge, please vote, this Tuesday, May 16 (or sooner).

Tom Stokes

Carole,

It would be funny if it were not so sad: this was a Rest of River meeting to discuss the violation of the Mass Open Meeting Law, and it was audio only and no comments from the public allowed. Click here to listen https://youtube/j8WCZVee39Q

Denny Alsop

To the Editor:

What’s the right thing to do about the Finance Committee (FC)?

Many have wondered why the FC is appointed by the Town Moderator — it isn’t always. In Alford and Great Barrington, the FC is elected. In Lenox, the Moderator makes suggestions to the Select Board (SB) and the SB appoints. In Lee, without the Moderator involved, the SB appoints. In short, the 292 towns and 59 cities in Massachusetts each do it differently. “All communities in Massachusetts are required to have a finance committee. Its members may be appointed or elected. When appointed, the appointing authority is usually either the town moderator and or the board of selectmen.”

The law says the choice is ours. Today in Stockbridge, the Town Administrator prepares the budget, the SB selects the articles for the Warrant, and FC advises the SB. So, the people decide what makes sense for us going forward. Whatever the outcome, the question should be on the Warrant so, at TM, the people can debate and decide.

Some are concerned the FC will disappear if we switch to voting. That is not true — each current member finishes his or her term and then that seat will be elected. Others worry the FC should be arm’s length from SB — no no, they are partners for the good of the town working together, FC advising SB, for best outcome.

IT is no harder to get people to run than to get people to accept when appointed and voting is the democratic way.

Michael Roisman, Petitioner

To the editor: 

The Stockbridge Democratic caucus has enthusiastically endorsed Patrick White for Select Board, Dr. John Loiodice for Sewer and Water Commission, and Dr. Elias Lefferman for Board of Health.

We ask you to vote for these three outstanding candidates.

Vote to re-elect Patrick White to the Stockbridge Select Board. Three more years will enable Patrick to finish projects and pursue new ones. He has worked hard and brought new energy, involvement, and ideas to the town. He has done a good job for us, but there is still more to do.

Patrick was raised in Stockbridge and is a graduate of the Plain School and Monument High. He developed a deep love for the community, the natural beauty of the area, its history and its residents. He has a strong desire to give back to the town.

Even before his election to the Select Board, Patrick served on Laurel Hill Association and town committees including the Conservation Commission and the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission. He volunteered at the Talbot Center and the Botanical Gardens and even drove the harvester on Stockbridge Bowl. He continues to attend and participate in almost every committee meeting and town event. Townspeople know that they can reach out to Patrick and he will listen to their concerns.

Patrick supports citizen participation in and access to all town meetings. He was the only member of the previous Select Board to support last year’s citizen petition to require hybrid meetings and he secured the needed equipment for both town meeting rooms. He has worked closely with CTSB to ensure that all town meetings have remote access and can also be watched later.

As chairman, Patrick has proposed a number of actions to benefit town residents, the environment and Stockbridge life. He does not shy away from public comments but also knows when to table an issue.

Visit his website at patrickwhitestockbridge.com to learn more about why he’s running, his accomplishments and future goals. Be sure to explore his photo gallery.

Your vote matters. Please vote for the candidates who appear on the ballot as a Democratic Caucus Nominee. Democracy is not a spectator sport.

Anita Schwerner

Editor’s note: Anita is chairperson of the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee.

To the Editor:

We Need Patrick White on Our Select Board

As full-time residents in Stockbridge since 2018, we are new to the pulse of a small town. Of course, we were aware of its cultural charm and natural beauty, but we knew little about the challenges and needs facing the town…until we met Patrick White.

As a long-time resident of Stockbridge, Patrick is passionate about what makes our community special, but is realistic about the problems our community faces. 

It is a place — 

• where second homeowners out number permanent residents; 
• with an aging full-time population and few younger families and children
• where there is a shortage of affordable housing to attract younger people and provide the work force needed to service businesses that the town relies on;
• where rising costs make it hard to keep reasonable taxes; 
• with environmental pressures that make it difficult to protect the town’s natural beauty; 
• where there is a dwindling commercial base. 

Patrick has brought fresh ideas and solutions to these problems.

He has served on many Town committees and boards and for the past three years he has served as a Select Person and the chair. As such, he has been instrumental in saving the first generation of Ice Glen Trees; saving the Kampoosa Bog (winner of a State Innovation award); preserving the historic Civil War monument and the Chime Tower; collaborating with surrounding towns to provide lower cost infrastructure; setting up a Trust to create affordable housing; lowering taxes and much more. 

Yes, Patrick has ideas, and some have not been universally accepted, but he listens to everyone and strives to strike a balance that is good for everyone.

We need a Select Person with new and fresh ideas for making our town a better place.

We need Patrick. Please vote on Tuesday to re-elect Patrick White for another term. 

Ranne and Ray Warner

Editor’s note: Ranne is Chair of the Stockbridge Affordable Housing Trust