Editorial

What Would Miss Mary say?

A Berkshire Edge reporter asked me, what would Former Selectman* Mary Flynn have said about Desisto? I think the reporter meant, what outcome would Mary have wanted, but you know, Mary’s focus might have been elsewhere. Not as much on the final decision as on how we reached it.

First, Miss Mary was a conservationist. She worked tirelessly to preserve the land at the southern entrance to Stockbridge. She preserved Gould Meadows, the connection to Bullard woods, and she, not a wealthy woman by any measure, placed a Conservation Restriction (CR) on a piece of land she inherited, and donated it. She could have sold it and lived more comfortably. She did not. She would have told us that how we spend our money is how we express our values.

She regretted that she could not talk Mike DeSisto into a CR on Yokun Ridge, in fact, on the whole mountain side. She would have been thrilled to secure it and impressed that Patrick Sheehan would give over control of 2/3 of property he owns — control over 200 of 300 acres. One note: a CR is forever or until a vote of the legislature of the Commonwealth permits its removal.

After that, Mary Flynn would have cared about us. She would have wanted us to argue our points in good parliamentarian fashion — best rules of debate — without ad hominem attacks and without false arguments cooked up to divert or delay. Actually, she would have done more than that, if we went astray, she would have intervened. If folks offered more heat than light, she would have smoothed it over, “Now Darlin’, we all heard you, but let’s move along.” If worst of all, anyone tried to use scare-politics, she would have stomped her foot in her best schoolteacher manner and called for quiet. She would want us to fight fair, accept the result whatever it was, and greet one another at the post office.

Mary may or may not have voted for the development. She may or may not have believed that Stockbridge could survive Mr. Sheehan’s development, but she would have believed absolutely that Stockbridge could not survive bad blood, false flags, and ill will.

• Yup that is what Mary wanted to be called —

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

News

SU FYI

For our usually quiet village is going through an unusually stressful six days so rest up, hydrate, eat well, and give everyone a mulligan.

1. On the 15th there are two meetings at the same time at Town Offices. One is about groundwater. Now folks have been stirring the pot without proper foundation and scaring people. Fear-based politics has no place in Stockbridge, but give them a mulligan anyway, and read what an expert said. (It is below under Our Warrant.)

2. Also, on the 15th the Select Board, acting as permitting authority, will make a difficult decision re: 37 Interlaken. Whatever the decision is — yes, no, or postpone, some folks will be very unhappy.

3. The 19th at Town Offices is Town Meeting. Tense items include moving over $2 million from Free Cash to the Stabilization fund. That’s an unusually large amount. There is a trend in American politics to take rights away from the people. Hopefully it is not a trend that arrived in Stockbridge, but it cannot be denied that Town Meeting can spend out of Free Cash with a simple majority and they need a 2/3 vote to spend out of the Stabilization Fund. Town Meeting, that’s us, is the legislature in our village government just as Select Board is the executive branch. We approve expenditures or the expenditures do nota get spent so, almost looks as if the officials aren’t trusting the voters. Vote no? Maybe so.

4. Look at all the Articles below. Nice to have the Warrant in advance, isn’t it? There are comments offering more information about Articles 9, 10, 17, 18, and Article 13 #18.

5. May 20th is Election Day! May 14th was the last day to register for a mail-in ballot, so see you at the polls! There is only one contested race — it is for Select Board. It is so hotly contested that Stockbridge Updates could not post the letters of support because they were actually letters disproportionately critical of the opponent.

News

Our Town Election

Although there is only one contested election — incumbent Jamie Minacci versus challenger Lisa Sauer — even if uncontested

PLEASE VOTE

News

Our Warrant at Town Meeting — May 19, 2025

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

BERKSHIRE COUNTY

To one of the constables of the Town of Stockbridge in said county.

GREETINGS:

In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town, qualified to vote in Town affairs, to meet at the

Stockbridge Town Offices

50 Main Street

Stockbridge, MA 01262

in Stockbridge on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:30 o’clock in the evening Eastern Daylight Time, to wit:

ARTICLE 1. To choose all Town Officers necessary to be chosen at the Annual Town Meeting, other than those to be chosen by ballot, or take any other action in relation thereto.

ARTICLE 2. To hear the report of any Town Officer or Committee, and to see if the Town will vote to accept all printed reports, or take any other action in relation thereto.

ARTICLE 3. To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elected officers of the Town as provided by Chapter 41, Section 108 of the Massachusetts General Laws as amended: Moderator, Select Board, and Board of Assessors, and to raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor, or take any other action in relation thereto.

ARTICLE 4. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds such sums of money necessary for the operation of the several departments in the Town for the ensuing year for the purposes outlined in Exhibit 1; or to take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money as the Town’s assessed share of the FY’26 budget for the Berkshire Hills Regional School District, or take any other action in relation thereto. (expected request $ 4,084,874)

ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money as the Town’s assessed share toward the Berkshire Hills Regional School District’s capital cost of constructing the new school buildings, or take any other action in relation thereto. (expected request $4,473)

ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of monies from the OPEB Fund established under General Laws Chapter 32B, Section 20 for the payment of retiree health insurance costs and that such amount shall be transferred to the city/town’s annual budget for retiree health insurance, or take any other action relative thereto. (expected request $155,142)

ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of G.L. c.44, 54(b) to allow Town trust funds to be invested in accordance with G.L. c.203C, the so-called “Prudent Investment Rule”, or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to adopt the “Specialized Energy Code” for the purpose of regulating the design and construction of buildings for the effective use of energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, pursuant to the entirety of 225 CMR 22 and 23 including Appendices RC and CC, including future editions, amendments, or modifications thereto, with an effective date of January 1, 2026, a copy of which is on file with the Town Clerk, or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will accept General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I, which authorizes an annual increase in the amount of the exemption granted under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22, Clause 22A, Clause 22B, Clause 22C, Clause 22E and Clause 22F by the percentage increase in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous year as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue, to be effective for applicable exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2025, or take any other action in relation thereto.

ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will accept General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22J, which authorizes an annual increase in the amount of the exemption granted under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22, Clause 22A, Clause 22B, Clause 22C, Clause 22E and Clause 22F by 100% of the personal exemption amount, subject to the conditions in Clause 22J, to be effective for applicable exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2025, or take any other action in relation thereto.

ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaws by:

(1) striking from the Amended Use Table 4.11, A – Principal Uses Districts, Section 4.4; and

(2) adding under the Amended Use Table 4.11, B – Accessory Uses, Section 1.1 to read as printed in Exhibit 2; and

(3) adding a new section 6.32 Accessory Dwelling Units to read as printed in Exhibit 2;

or take any other action in relation thereto.

ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to transfer and appropriate a sum of money from available certified free cash for the following specified projects or take any action in relation thereto.

1. transfer and appropriate $50,000 for the purpose of funding a Breathing Air Compressor with 4 Bottle Cascade System for the Stockbridge Fire Department

2. transfer and appropriate $10,141 for the purpose of funding Stockbridge’s share of the Tri-Town Health move in FY2025

3. transfer and appropriate $288,000 for the purpose of purchasing a Type 1 Ambulance

4. transfer and appropriate $30,000 for the purpose of reconstruction and repairs of the Town Offices roof.

5. transfer and appropriate $50,000 for the purpose of funding a feasibility study for a possible new fire station

6. transfer and appropriate $60,000 for the purpose of funding a pickleball/skating rink at the Stockbridge Town Hall parks and recreation fields

7. transfer and appropriate $33,500 for the purpose of funding a revolutionary war memorial

8. transfer and appropriate $25,000 for the purpose of funding for the 250th anniversary of the county on July 4th, 2026

9. transfer and appropriate $10,000 for the purpose of funding the replacement of a 40-yard straight wall dumpster at the transfer station

10. transfer and appropriate $80,000 for the purpose of tuition and transportation to Taconic High School for its Career Exploratory Program

11. transfer and appropriate $15,000 for the purpose of funding Clickers for use at Town Meetings

12. transfer and appropriate $15,000 for the purpose of funding Engineering and Architectural building envelop survey for Town Offices

13. transfer and appropriate $15,000 for the purpose of funding Radar Feedback Speed Signs for the Stockbridge Police Department

14. transfer and appropriate $16,000 for the purpose of funding a new flag pole at the Stockbridge Town Offices

15. transfer and appropriate $72,000 for the purpose of funding a Hybrid Police Cruiser for the Stockbridge Police Department

16. transfer and appropriate $200,000 for the purpose of funding the additional work repairing the copula on the Stockbridge Chime Tower

17. transfer and appropriate $50,000 for the purpose of funding a Retirement Payout Stabilization Fund for the payout of accrued sick leave and vacation time upon employee retirement

18. transfer and appropriate $814,632 to the general stabilization fund

ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to transfer and appropriate a sum of money from Sewer Available Surplus for the following specified projects, or take any action in relation thereto.

1. transfer and appropriate $125,000 for the purpose of funding various sewer main replacements

2. transfer and appropriate $25,000 for the purpose of funding pump station pumps overhaul

3. transfer and appropriate $30,500 for the purpose of funding half the cost of a hybrid half ton 4×4 pickup truck

4. transfer and appropriate $17,563 for the purpose of reducing the amount to be raised through sewer rates for the fiscal year 2026

ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to transfer and appropriate a sum of money from Water Available Surplus for the following specified projects, or take any action in relation thereto.

1. transfer and appropriate $5,000 for the purpose of funding the replacement of the water plant loading dock exterior stairway.

2. transfer and appropriate $5,000 for the purpose of funding the Marian Father’s water storage tank cleaning

3. transfer and appropriate $30,500 for the purpose of funding half the cost of a hybrid half ton 4×4 pickup truck

4. transfer and appropriate $74,109 for the purpose of reducing the amount to be raised through water rates for the fiscal year 2026

ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will act on the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee on the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Preservation Budget and specified other projects and appropriate or reserve for later appropriation monies from community preservation fund annual revenues, specific reserves or other available funds for the administrative expenses of the Community Preservation Committee, the payment of debt service, the undertaking of community preservation projects and all other necessary and proper expenses for the year, or take any action in relation thereto

1. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $100,000 for affordable housing purposes to be used by the Town of Stockbridge for the funding of the Stockbridge Housing Trust.

2. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $76,744 for affordable housing purposes to be used by Construct reconstruction of siding and decks at Pine Woods.

3. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $32,300 for affordable housing purposes to be used by Stockbridge Housing Authority for replacement of damaged siding boards.

4. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $40,000 for historic preservation purposes to be used by the Norman Rockwell Museum for roof repairs to the Linwood House and Ice House.

5. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $90,000 for historic preservation purposes to be used by the Berkshire Waldorf High School for installation of a wheelchair ramp at the old town hall.

6. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $20,000 for historic preservation purposes to be used by the Town of Stockbridge Cemetery Commission for the restoration of the Historic Hearse House.

7. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $11,000 for historic preservation purposes to be used by the Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives for conservation of the oil painting of Agrippa Hull and a 1739 Plot Map of Town land allocations.

8. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $25,000 for open space/recreational purposes to be used by Chesterwood for restoration of the Studio Gardens.

9. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $5,000 for open space/recreational purposes to be used by the Stockbridge Housing Authority for raised flower beds.

10. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $33,500 for open space/recreational purposes to be used by the Town of Stockbridge for the creation of a Revolutionary War Monument.

11. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $22,500 for open space/recreational purposes to be used by the Town of Stockbridge for an Ice Glen Experience

12. appropriate from the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve balance a sum of $5,600 for open space/recreational purposes to be used by the Friends of Gould Meadows for work at Gould Meadows to preserve open space by removal of invasive species, tree, and garden work in order to enhance visitor experience and safety by installing benches, removing invasive plantings and planting native species on the stream edges.

13. appropriate from the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve balance a sum of $45,000 for open space/recreation purposes to be used by the Stockbridge Parks and Recreation Committee to create a covered shed to host concerts in the park.

14. appropriate from the Community Preservation Historic Preservation Reserve balance a sum of $20,000 for historic preservation purposes to be used by the Town of Stockbridge for restoration of the Elizabeth West Stone.

15. appropriate from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund balance a sum of $15,000 for the FY26 CPC Administrative budget

16. reserve to the Historic Resources Reserve, the Community Housing Reserve, and the Open Space Reserve from Community Preservation anticipated FY’26 annual revenues, the minimum amounts required by M.G.L. c.44B, s.6. (expected request $38,897 per category)

ARTICLE 17. PETITION ARTICLE. We, the undersigned, qualified voters of the Town of Stockbridge, request that the select board include the article appearing below in the warrant for the annual town meeting of May 19, 2025:

“To see if the Town of Stockbridge should appropriate an amount not to exceed $600,000 from Free Cash for the purpose of exercising its Chapter 61 right to acquire the parcel for sale at 0 Interlaken Cross Rd. as described in the Middle District Berkshire County Registry of Deeds in Book 1347 Page 368.”

ARTICLE 18. PETITION ARTICLE. We, the undersigned, qualified voters of the town of Stockbridge, request that the select board include the Article appearing below in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeeting of May 19, 2025:

To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaws as follows:

In 6.7 Surface Water Supply Protection Overlay District:

Section 6.7.1 Purpose, following the words, ‘upon the water quality of surface waters’, insert the words, ‘and groundwaters’.

Section 6.7.2 Description, following the words, ‘The SWSPOD shall include’, insert the words, ‘the recharge area of the aquifer connected to Lake Averic and’, or take any other action in relation thereto.

ARTICLE 19. To transact any other business that may legally come before this meeting.

News

NEWS

There was other news even in the midst of the major happenings in Stockbridge. There was the Community Preservation Committee meeting to discus financial support of maintaining open land. They found in the affirmative and conditionally pledged money.

There was a Planning Board meeting to discuss the ground water issue. Denny Alsop was present.

There was a statewide meeting in Holyoke that gathered representatives displeased with aspects of the Climate legislation passed at the end of 2024. They were concerned about removal of local control over zoning.

There was a Select Board meeting with only one agenda item: to undercut the Citizen’s Petion at Article 17 of the Warrant. Between 78 and 100 people attended — maybe a record and convinced the SB to allow the voters to discuss and decide and not to undercut the democratic process by deciding prematurely to release the Right of First Refusal.

There was an additional Public Meeting re: Desisto where they continued to negotiate terms — reducing lawn parking and building sizes and increasing land given into conservation and offering $460,000 per Inclusionary Bylaw although they were not obliged to pay it

There is a mega-building at The Marian’s on Prospect Hill Road flying under the radar

All of these meetings deserve to and will be reported in full — but not this week. This week — stay cool and hydrated in preparation for the onslaught of important meetings. I hate the misuse of the word existential — let’s just call it a watershed moment.

Watch Now!

SU TV

ATTENDANCE ENCOURAGED

Events

1. Memorial Day celebrations: Monday, May 26, 11:00am, Cemetery Ceremonies

Benediction and Taps for Veterans at both cemeteries, to include riverside ceremony for those who died at sea. Meet at the Congregational Church at 10:45AM. Transportation to cemeteries available. 12:15pm Parade

Parade participants are asked to meet at the Town Offices at 12:00pm. ALL VETERANS, with or without uniform are encouraged to march or ride.

12:45pm Memorial Program

Located in the Congregational Church at conclusion of the Parade. Guest Speakers and Music by the Berkshire Hillsmen.

1:45pm Kids & Family Activities

Free hot dog, chips, and beverage for residents. Quantities limited. Food truck offerings also available. Patriotic crafts courtesy of the Stockbridge Library.

2. Norman Rockwell Museum presents I Spy!

June 7 — I Spy! The Party – 4pm — 7pm

June 13 — I Spy! Curator Tour – 1pm — 2:30

A fascinating new exhibition, I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders. Inspired by a love of play, science and fantasy, Wick developed his unique style of visual storytelling and created the now classic children’s books I Spy and Can You See What I See? Learn how Wick draws us into his amazing imagination using tricks of scale and perception, mirrors, and other techniques drawn from his years as a studio photographer.

Party: $50

Tour: $20 plus admission; $10 Members; Upper-level Members free. Reservations recommended. For tickets and more information, https://www.nrm.org/events/curator-tour-i-spy-walter-wicks-hidden-wonders/

3. Berkshire Botanial Gardens presents Music Mondays

Live perfoirmances, Farmers Market, Picnicking, and dancing. Mondays June 30 through August 25. For more information, go to www.berkshirebotanical.org

4. Chesterwood presents Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition: Global Warming/Global Warning!

June 7 — October 31

Chesterwood will address the issue of climate change with its 47th annual outdoor sculpture show in 2025. Global Warming/Global Warning explores how the natural and designed landscapes at Chesterwood are being impacted by global warming, climate change, invasive species, pollution, and the aging out of a mature forest. Invited artists engage directly with the environment, using the native and invasive materials of the forest, responding to climate impacts, and introducing human-made objects juxtaposed with the natural environment to challenge the viewer and raise issues around what we are doing to our planet. Chesterwood opens its outdoor sculpture exhibition on June 7 with an opening reception celebration. Curated by preservation engineer and restoration architect Michael Lynch, this year’s event features artists Kathleen Jacobs, Ann Jon, DeWitt Godfrey, Harold Grinspoon, whose “Olympus” will be displayed at Chesterwood for two years, and glass artist Natalie Tyler, who will premiere a new work entitled “Tornado.”

Perspective

Information about Article 9

by Steve Averbuch, Laura Dubester, Pat Flinn, Miles Moffatt, and Tim O’Brien the Stockbridge Green Communities Committee

To Our Stockbridge neighbors —

What Stockbridge has accomplished so far

• In 2015 Stockbridge was designated as a Massachusetts Green Community. We received $250K plus in state grants and utility rebates to weatherize buildings and install LED lighting.

• Benefits: Over the past decade, we reduced energy consumption by more than 20%, saving money for taxpayers, and benefiting the environment.

• At the 2024 Town Meeting, citizens passed a resolution to strive to meet the State’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become fossil fuel free by 2050.

The next goal for Stockbridge — Become a Climate Leader Community.

Up-front benefits: It will enable Stockbridge to access up to $150K technical assistance grants and $1M capital improvement grants for clean-energy improvements to municipal facilities.

What’s left to meet the goal — Adopt the Opt-In Specialized Code at the 2025 Town Meeting. The Opt-In Specialized Code:

• Only applies to construction of NEW HOMES (not alterations or additions to EXISTING HOMES). In Stockbridge this was 5 homes in 2024. Two were electrically heated/cooled.

• Does NOT affect NEW electrically heated/cooled homes, the least expensive to build.

• The NEW-HOME owner has the freedom to choose any fuel — oil, natural gas, propane, wood, electric- but on site-combustion triggers the requirements listed below:

o Pre-wiring for future electric replacement of any equipment that burns fossil fuels or biomass This is MUCH less expensive to do at the time of construction.

o When there is a suitable roof area with the right orientation, new homes with fossil fuel or biomass burning appliances are required to install a solar-electric array. No trees need to be cut down. Solar arrays pay for themselves over time.

Why the Green Communities Committee recommends that Town Citizens adopt the Code:

• It will help Stockbridge reduce greenhouse gas emissions by being electric heated/cooled or electric ready furthering the transition from fossil fuels to renewable clean energy.

• 91% of MA residents already live in a MA Green Community which means that the community has adopted the Stretch Code. The Opt-In Specialized code does NOT change the insulation levels or air tightness of the Stretch Code.

• It is the final requirement for Stockbridge to be designated a Climate Leader Community.

• This is one step that we CAN take now that will reduce climate changing greenhouse gas emissions. Let’s start now!

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. We welcome your comments and questions.

Perspective

Information on Article 10 Expanded Property Tax Exemptions Proposed for Local Veterans

By Town Administrator, Michael Canales

At the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, Stockbridge voters will consider two articles that would expand property tax relief for veterans by adopting enhanced exemption options under Massachusetts law.

Article 10 proposes that the Town accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I. This clause authorizes an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the exemption amounts for several veteran-related property tax exemptions. The adjustment would be based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring the value of these exemptions keeps pace with inflation. Notably, other senior exemptions already receive CPI-based adjustments in Stockbridge.

The exemptions eligible for this CPI increase include:

• Clause 22 — Basic veteran exemption

• Clause 22A — Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities

• Clause 22B — Veterans with severe disabilities or limb loss

• Clause 22C — Veterans with specially adapted housing

• Clause 22E — Veterans with 100% disability

• Clause 22F — Surviving spouses of military personnel who died in the line of duty

If approved, the CPI-based adjustments would begin in Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025) and would allow these exemption amounts to increase automatically each year without requiring additional Town Meeting votes.

Article 11 proposes acceptance of Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22J, which provides an even greater benefit. Clause 22J doubles the exemption amount for the same categories listed above—but only for veterans or surviving spouses who meet state income eligibility thresholds, consistent with the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit.

In effect, qualifying individuals could receive a 100% increase in their veteran exemption, offering significant additional relief for those on fixed or limited incomes.

Together, Articles 10 and 11 would provide meaningful financial support to Stockbridge veterans, helping ensure their tax relief reflects both economic conditions and the town’s appreciation for their service.

These articles will be presented to voters at the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 19th at 6:30 PM.

Perspective

Article 13 #18: To Determine if you wish to transfer $800k from Free Cash to the Stabilization Fund

There was over $2million in Free Cash when the recommendations from Town Administrator, Select Board, and Finance Committee recommended moving money to the Stabilization Fund. In that case the Citizen’s Request for UP TO $600,000 — there was never a request for $600,000 – would have been a much smaller percentage of cash available. Hold that thought.

What is Free Cash and where did the money come from? Free Cash is essentially the dollar amount of mistakes, that is, it is the money budgeted but not spent, left over from the previous fiscal year. It is generally used for one-time expenses or to replenish other reserves, according to the Division of Local Services (DLS). Stabilization Funds, on the other hand, are designed to be long-term reserves for emergencies, capital projects, or other lawful purposes.

Why move it? The positive reason is that towns might move funds between Free Cash and the Stabilization Fund for various reasons. Moving money from Free Cash to a Stabilization Fund helps municipalities build a financial cushion for unforeseen events or future needs, such as capital projects or emergencies. The negative reason is in the definition. Hang on one minute. Before we answer that.

The Select Board is the Executive Branch of this Town. Town Meeting, that’s us, is the legislature. SB’s job is to collect and spend BUT ONLY WITH the approval of TM. What about Finance Committee? Ever wonder why FC is appointed — not elected — by the Moderator? Because it is a committee of Town Meeting and what is it supposed to do? It is meant to advise (not convince or instruct) us

Now back to the possible negative reason: Once in the Stabilization Fund, it is harder to access. While Free Cash can be used if approved by Town Meeting with a simple majority vote; Stabilization Funds requires a 2/3 vote. Finally Free Cash is intended to be depleted not carried over year to year.

The people are not perfect, but neither are our representatives. No one is. Democracy works with shared power not one branch (executive or legislative) working to the exclusion of the other.

Finance Committee? They stepped into a role they carved out for themselves years ago — rule at is it rather than represent us. Rather than empowering we-the-people by giving factual, objective information for our informed decisions, they attempt to convince us to vote as they wish.

Perspective

Information on Article 17: A Citizen’s Petition

This is a plan to prevent overdevelopment. To maintain the rural feel of the town and all our prop- erty values, we need money; we need a plan, and we need an edge.

If the owner wishes to sell Chapter 61 land, the town has the Right of First Refusal. Our hand is strengthened by this right. We can exercise our right and then we determine the land use.

The Money

Here’s a summary of how we finance this transaction. This model can be used over and over to protect the town.

This is the best deal in the Berkshires.

At one extreme are folks who think the market should decide. This will lead to overdevelopment, loss of open space, and erosion of property values. At the other extreme are those who would bar all development. We are proposing a middle ground.

The third way: modest growth while most of each parcel is conserved as open space. It is rooted in a method of planning called Open Space Resource Design, a strategic process that integrates recreation, conservation, and planning driven by the community. It keeps control over our destiny in our own hands.

Stockbridge has become so popular, our property values are exploding.

One option is doing nothing and let the market decide. This developer frenzy could destroy the character of the town and your property values.

A second option is to buy everything and go broke. We don’t have enough money to buy every undeveloped parcel that might come on the market.

Maybe, like Goldilocks, there is a third way: we want the pourridge to be just right. How do we do that? For each parcel, conserve some of it and allow a few new neighbors to build a home.

Great idea, but why should town government be involved? Because it is town government that has the right of first refusal. This provides us with leverage in the negotiation and ensures that the town does not become overbuilt.

If you care, show up. Most town meetings are attended by just 25% of the total number who will vote in Tuesday’s election. Give or take 100 people make decisions for the entire town. If you care about open space, smart growth, and keeping control of your own destiny, take the time and invest two of it in Monday night’s meeting.

Decisions are made by those who show up.

Perspective

Article 18 — A Citizen Petition

Denny Alsop, a beloved, lifelong citizen of Stockbridge, is carefully considering and may withdraw the petition/Article 18. Stockbridge Updates invited Denny to elucidate this article and sadly he did not — perhaps time was too short. Whatever the reason — Denny gets a mulligan. He has worked so hard and so diligently.

We can only report that our Water Supervisor, Michael Buffoni, Town Administrator, Michael Canales, and Select Board member Partick White took Denny’s concerns seriously and sought expert comment on the speculation that development of 35-37 Interlaken would have a deleterious effect on well water or ground water. This is the answer they received from David Boutt, Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences, UMass Amherst specializing in hydrogeology, watershed hydrogeology and ground water recharge and discharge.

Boutt wrote about 35-37 Interlaken: “It has some of the ingredients for karst formation (limestone, but there are no dolines, sinkholes, springs, etc. I have not observed any of these features in my time in the field there. In fact, our review of the drilling completion reports from private wells in the area suggest that the marble is very low permeability and not a productive aquifer showing no signs of karstification. Dave”

If Denny decides NOT to withdraw his petition, hopefully, he will speak to this.

Events

Events

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) presents a preview of summer: ‘Music Mondays’, June 30 through Aug. 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., featuring June 30 Wanda Houston, July 7 Glori Wilder and the Moonflowers, 14 The Nate Martel Band, 21 Jessie and the Hoosie Hawks, 28 Sören Smedvig Quartet. August 4 The BTUs, 11 — Mike Cobb and the Crevulators, 18 South Pleasant Revival, 25 Rounders Revival.

Tickets are $15 for BBG members and $25 for non-members. Entrance is free for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at BerkshireBotanical.org. 

2. New this year: BBG’s Farmer’s Market, held Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring local produce, freshly made baked goods and cheeses, herbs, artisan goods and more. Plus enjoy food served by Kevin Kelly, founder of After Hours GB. Dogs/animals (other than service animals) are not allowed on the property or in the gardens. 
3. The Berkshire Waldorf High School announces a lecture, “Embodying Nature: Principles of Creating in the Korean Alphabet, Hangel.” Presented by Gyuhyun Park, founder of the Yeonpyeong Waldorf School and Korean scholar, the lecture is Tuesday, March 25, 7 p.m., Berkshire Waldorf High School, 14 Pine Street. Free and open to the public. This lecture is also being presented at Yale University and Brown University. 

The OneWater Project will present a program this spring inspired by the quote of President John F. Kennedy, “Anyone who can solve the problems of water, will be worthy of two Nobel prizes – one for peace and one for science.” The programs will include educational salons and cultural events. For more information call Leslie Gabriel, Director, OneWater Project 518 697 9190 or go to https://onewaterproject.org

CTSB Video of the Stockbridge Updates Program