Editorial

Editorial: Changes

Our village is changing in the midst of a country that is changing. Can we be certain the changes are improvements?

Looked at in one way, this entire issue is about change. Change is under consideration everywhere in Stockbridge. Interesting for a village that was routinely criticized for clinging to what was.

Interesting because Stockbridge was once known for fighting change. Now, one could get whiplash looking at every corner of the village being altered.

What’s next on Pine Street? Grassy area or parking lot? (See Notes from the Conservation Commission below)

Is change in itself a noble goal? Is preservation never as important? It would be comforting if we knew the answer or took the time to discuss it.

It would be comforting if we knew that the changes proposed were for the best.

by Carol Owens, Editor

Events

Events

1. Stockbridge Library will be closed June 19 for Juneteenth

Will present a special program, “Happiness in Retirement,” June 16, 6pm – 7pm

With Stockbridge Bowl Association will host a party at Town Beach, June 20, 11am – 1pm

2. The Norman Rockwell Museum presents The Stockbridge Walking Tour, July 11 and July 18 @ 10am & 3pm

$20; separate from Museum Admission

These tours do not take place at the Museum. Tour groups will meet on Main Street. Transportation to Main Street from the Museum is not provided.

Take a guided walking tour of downtown Stockbridge and discover how the town and its inhabitants both inspired Norman Rockwell and appeared in some of his most iconic works of art. Explore the history of this 1734 village–including its Mohican origins. Stops will include Norman Rockwell’s home on South Street, his first studio on Main Street, the Old Corner House (site of the original Norman Rockwell Museum), Chief John Konkapot’s property, the Red Lion Inn, the former site of Alice’s Restaurant, and more! Limited capacity- advance reservations required. Event is rain or shine. Meet in front of The Old Corner House, 48 Main Street; public on street parking, or designated spaces at Town Hall. Tour route is mostly flat, and on sidewalks. Group size maximum of 24. To register for July 11th, visit https://www.nrm.org/events/norman-rockwells-stockbridge-walking-tour-16/ To register for July 18th, visit https://www.nrm.org/events/norman-rockwells-stockbridge-walking-tour-17/

From the Statehouse

Two Years of Work Is Winding Down

As the Massachusetts Legislature approaches its critical, mandatory July 31st deadline to end formal legislative sessions there is a chaotic rush occurring at the State House because any major policy bill not finalized by midnight on that date will effectively be dead for the session and will have to begin the entire 2 year process again in January of 2027.

My understanding is that there are three major legislative initiatives dealing with municipal operations, land use, and housing that lawmakers are moving rapidly to enact:

1. The Municipal Empowerment Act (MEA)

Backed heavily by local leaders and the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), this package is designed to modernize local governance, ease the municipal staffing crisis, and cut red tape. It is viewed as highly likely to pass.

Key Municipal Changes:

• Permanent Hybrid Meetings: Codifies the pandemic-era temporary flexibilities, making remote and hybrid options for local public boards permanently legal.
• Procurement Reform: Streamlines local operations by lifting Chapter 30B advertised procurement threshold to $100,000 for municipal purchases.
• Longer Borrowing Terms: Extends the cap on municipal building project borrowing from 30 to 40 years to lower annual local debt impacts.
• Workforce Flexibilities: Introduces temporary post-retirement employment rules to help towns fill critical, vacant municipal roles (like assessors and public works crews).

2. The “Mass Wins Act” (Economic Development Bill)

Governor Maura Healey’s flagship economic package (Bill H. 5386) is being fast-tracked because it links state capital investments with aggressive land use and housing production goals is undergoing active redrafting in the House and Senate to reconcile spending totals before the July deadline.

Key Land Use & Housing Changes:

• Site Plan Review Reform: Features a landmark change to standard municipal land use rules by establishing clear, uniform state boundaries on how local boards can review, condition, or delay housing developments.
• Capital for Development: Unleashes significant seed investments to prepare “shovel-ready” commercial and residential plots across the state.

3. The “Yes In My Backyard” (YIMBY) Zoning Bill

The legislature is facing intense pressure to pass an advanced version of the YIMBY Bill (H.1572 / S.2836) to ease the statewide housing shortage. There is some thought this zoning overhaul bill could be included in the economic development package

Key Zoning Overhauls:

• Lower Inclusionary Zoning Thresholds: Decreases the local voting majority required for municipalities to pass inclusionary zoning ordinances (which mandate affordable units in new builds).
• Mandatory Local Planning: Requires cities and towns to actively establish formal Housing Production Plans detailing exactly how they will meet localized affordable housing needs.

Much energy is also being spent on finding an acceptable compromise on the ballot initiative to enact Rent Control across the state. A last-minute legislative alternative has emerged that is gaining support and is backed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. It seeks to bypass a statewide mandate by instead empowering individual cities and towns to pass localized rent stabilization policies.

Our legislators always express interest in hearing constituents’ opinions and questions on these and other issues. You can reach them at: Senator Paul Mark:

Email: paul.mark@masenate.gov or State House Office (Boston) Phone: (617) 722-1625 or Phone: (413) 464-5635 Address: 773 Tyler St., Pittsfield, MA 01201

Representative Leigh Davis: Email: Leigh.Davis@mahouse.gov. Phone: (617) 722-2400. District Office. Phone: (413) 854-4623. For local constituent services, contact her district number or visit the Leigh Davis Official Contact page for office hours and update

by Christine Rasmussen

Notes from Conservation Commission, June 9, Hybrid meeting

1. The tennis and basketball courts have been removed and ownership returned to Austen Riggs Center. The proposed use appears to be a grassy area, built a parking lot has been discussed to get the cars of Riggs staff off Main Street. A question was asked about the permissibility of metered parking – apparently that would not be allowed.

The land is over an underground stream and while it is intermittent, Con Com still has some jurisdiction over what can be done there. 

2. The discussion continued about calling a meeting to resolve issues on the Loveless property between the land trust, Laurel Hill Association and owner. Using a mediator was discussed, but the hope was articulated that the parties would resolve the issue and come to the ConCom meeting with a solution. 
3. It was mentioned that there is a disagreement with the state about harvesting on Stockbridge Bowl. Contrary to what was always done, it seems the state is saying the harvesters can only make one pass (See Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission meeting)

Notes from the Committee for the 250th Anniversary celebration

1. Passports, that describe the activities in Stockbridge to celebrate the nation’s birthday, are being passed out at the Red Lion Inn, the Library, and other non-profits. Requests to hand them out at the Triplex in Great Barrington, our Tourist Information Booth on Main Street, and elsewhere are being worked on.
2. It was suggested to plan an event for locals in September. A rough outline included having the event at the Stockbridge Library and asking museum and archives assistant curate, Josh Hall, to speak. 

News

Notes from the Conservation Commission (Con Com), May 29, 2026, Hybrid meeting

1. 13 Rattlesnake Mountain Road. New owner, Todd Sparks, California, would like to remove more trees and build a house but the Notice of Intent (NOI) approved October 26, 2023, was closed. It was suggested that the applicant file for an extension and then mend the NOI with the new requests. The location of the proposed house as well as the location of the wetlands should be staked out first. 
2. There are always a number of applications not concluded but continued because folks do not show up. 
3. A letter was received from The Stockbridge Land Trust with respect to the Loveless property. A Conservation Restriction (CR) was placed on the property. The owner, the Laurel Hill Association (LHA), and the Stockbridge Land Trust (SLT) have worked cooperatively since 2012. However, in a letter submitted to ConCom from SLT, after 13 years, there is disagreement about permitted uses under the CR. At issue is a parking lot. It was suggested that ConCom take the lead – call a meeting of the parties for June 30 and try to resolve the issue and reach accord. 
4. 10A Lake Drive – An extant single family home applied for modifications. Now they wish to modify the application ConCom suggested planting in a way to discourage any mowing. 
5. On 7 Main Street, 3 ash trees died and should be removed. Vote was in favor

Notes from the Green Committee, June 10, 2026, Hybrid meeting

Chair Laura Dubester met with Town Administrator Michael Canales on 2 issues.

The first issue surfaced at Town Meeting when an attendee asked of the green committee purchasing policy had ben followed when purchasing a new lawn mower for Stockbridge. The Green policy is to purchase hybrid or electric vehicles; the lawn mower purchased uses gasoline. Town Administrator said he didn’t know if there was a “green” lawn mower available and what the comparative prices would be. In the meeting with Dubester, explaining he had not yet had time, he checked and found an electric lawn mower was available but was $6000 more. The second issue was endorsing PACE. PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy, a financing program for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. It allows property owners to finance improvements through a special assessment on their property tax bill. Eligible projects include solar installations, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and insulation upgrades. Financing is typically repaid over a period of 10 to 20 years, making it accessible for homeowners. PACE programs are designed to promote sustainable energy practices and reduce overall energy costs. Participation in PACE can increase property value and enhance energy performance.

The TA did not seem ready to act on either initiative and stated he was interested in solar panels at the moment. He was preparing a grant application for the panels. The Chair suggested he might be more interested in discussing after the grant application is submitted in August

Notes from the Planning Board (PB), June 2, 2026, Hybrid meeting

1. Every Board, Commission and Committee reorganizes after annual elections. PB Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk and Community Preservation Committee (CPC) representative were named to PB. The VC was the only change – Gary Pitney, former VC, retired from the PB and Carl Sprague was named VC. Kate Fletcher remained Chair, Wayne Slosek, Clerk and Liz Wheeler, rep to CPC.
2. Stockbridge Coffee and Tea moved further down Elm Street to the house that Wheeler and Taylor occupied. They requested a new sign – it was considered a bit large. It was noted that if the sign had not been made, they were requested to make it smaller, However, if it made been made then there would be an exception to approve as is. 
3. PB had requested a bylaw change be written however it was not accepted warmly by (who?) perhaps Town Council? Or the Ag’s office because the Clean Air Act (new legislation) had just been passed by the state. A further explanation would be helpful.

Notes from the SBSC, June 7, Hybrid meeting

Michael Canales attended the meeting to discuss recent progress in repairing the dam and on dredging the lake.

With respect to the dam – the two part study of the dam is complete and a report is expected this fall. A plan will be produced to lessen the pressure on the dam. A Notice of Intent (explaining the plan) will be submitted to ConCom.

With respect to dredging, it appeared to restate prior conclusions, i.e. an initial study was concluded and Bullard Woods can be used for depositing the slurry dredged.

In discussion among SBSC members discussed who would “spearhead” dredging. One member insisted it was a Town initiative to be led by the Town. Another argued Stockbridge Bowl Association had money and manpower. A compromise seemed to be that all would work together, each contributing what it had.

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC), May 28, 2026, Hybrid meeting

1. The state issued a permit to harvest weeds in Stockbridge Bowl but apparently limits the harvester to “one pass.” The width the harvester can cut in one pass is a swath eight-feet-wide. The Chair explained that is unlike every other permit in previous years and makes no sense since they are also permitted to harvest 9-10 acres. One pass, eight feet wide would be less than ¼ acre, he said. He will speak to the state office and attempt to resolve what he thinks must be a misunderstanding. 
2. The Lake management plan, a layman-friendly version, will be submitted to the Select Board for their review with an Executive Summary attached. It will be 4 hard copies for the Manager and three SB members delivered on July 2. 
3. After the SB has responded, SBSC will turn their attention to developing 3 goals that can be accomplished by SBSC in the coming year.
    

Reader to Reader

Reader to Reader

To the Editor:

I was unable to see the sign up or comment area on the upper right on my phone. Thank you for signing me up!

Bee Dietemann

My pleasure. Anyone having difficulty, let us know and we will be happy to help.

Carole

MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS

To the Editor:

Attached please find a press release about four School Superintendents who recently received 2026 President’s Awards from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.).

The 2026 recipients are:

• Peter Dillon, Ed.D., Superintendent, Berkshire Hills Regional School District 
• Amy McKinstry, Superintendent, Northbridge Public Schools 
• Denise Pigeon, Ed.D., Superintendent, Nashoba Valley Technical High School 
• Thea Stovell Herndon, Ed.D., Superintendent, Randolph Public Schools

On behalf of M.A.S.S., it is my honor to recognize the very deserving recipients of these awards.”

Mary Bourge Executive Director MASS

More details available at http://www.massupt.org

Chris Hodges, Communications 

Carole,

Those that know my pickup know that I fly the Stars and Stripes. Yesterday (Monday) I was coming out of Elm Street onto Main Street, as I approached the intersection an East Bound tractor trailer driver saw me, hit the brakes, and waved me out. As I pulled out, he rendered a sharp salute, what a great feeling after the response we got after Viet Nam.

Harold French 

Hi Carole,

I was wondering if you could put some information about the opening of the farmers market for the season in the next Stockbridge Updates. I’ve included a write up below and some photos if you want to include any.

Thanks so much, Matt B

The Stockbridge farmers market is starting on Wednesday, June 24 from 3 PM to 5:30 PM

(and every Wednesday thereafter through September).

Currently, our vendors are :

Gaetanos organic farm. They will have kale, kohlrabi, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage, Swiss chard, and more.

There will be some cherry tomatoes and blueberries the first week, and more as the season progresses .

Sweet corn will be available starting mid July.

Berkshire Mountain Bakery will bring a wide variety of fresh baked goods, including a large variety of sourdough bread, croissants, cookies, and ciabatta.

Konkapot Honey will have local honey.

Millbrook Sugar House will have a variety of maple syrup products.

There will be fresh flowers from Meadow Burn Farm.

SNAP recipients can use the Berkshire Agriculture Ventures’ market match program to purchase food at half price. Come to the market manager’s desk for details.

For weekly updates, visit our Facebook page ” Stockbridge MA farmers market”.

If you want to be on our direct email list, send your email address to: farmersmarket@Stockbridge-ma.gov

To the Editor:

The funeral service for Mary Balle is June 26, 2026 at Finnerty’s in Great Barrington at 10am

Estelle Miller

Special Permits

With all the recent public hearings for special permits, you might be curious on what basis the Commonwealth says local permitting authorities should decide. Here is a brief compilation of grounds based on expert opinion and court decisions. Did you know a Special permit granting authority possesses broad discretion. Even if a special permit could lawfully be granted, the permitting authority has discretion to deny the permit. If the permitting authority has acted correctly or abused their authority is decided on a case by case basis. Following are a few examples of why the permitting authority’s decision was upheld and overturned.

1. An Appeals Court decided that the protection of natural resources and preservation of community amenities are valid reasons to deny a special permit
2. A Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) denied a special permit to one of two applicants. While both applications met the requirements for a special permit, one was denied on grounds that were unrelated to zoning issues. The Court vacated the ZBA’s because it was deemed arbitrary and capricious.
3. An application to construct a warehouse and office building on a parcel of land that was within a flood plain district and bordering a river. The board denied the application on the basis that there would be an adverse effect on the flood control characteristics of the land and the town’s water storage capacity. The Appeals Court held that the board could properly take into account the purpose of flood plain regulations when making its findings. Reasonable persons could differ as to the severity of danger, the board’s decision was not arbitrary and was upheld.
4. When a zoning bylaw directs the special permit granting authority to consider neighborhood character as part of its decision-making process, the board is authorized to deny a special permit if the application doesn’t meet the criteria. An applicant sought a special permit to operate a beer and wine store in a strip mall. The board denied the request based on the proximity of the site to several schools and a day care center. The Appeals Court upheld the decision because it was based on a standard permitted by the bylaw.
5. Permitting authority’s reasons for denial must be based on evidence in the record. It cannot just conclude, for example, that an application would be inharmonious with the neighborhood. The Board’s decision should be based on evidence. For example, the permitting authority considers: is the proposal “in harmony with the Bylaw’s general intent and purpose — will not be detrimental to adjacent uses or to the established or future character of the neighborhood —will not create undue traffic congestion or unduly impair pedestrian safety” and will not strain municipal facilities, subject the area to hazards affecting public health, safety or general welfare, and will protect wetlands.
6. A permitting authority may consider the impacts on people, animals, and natural resources, so long as it does so in a manner based on evidence.

by Carole Owens 

Watch Now!

Stockbridge Updates on Air: Community organizers Michele Marantz and David Pugh

Click the above to watch the video 

News

SU FYI

A new South County organization dedicated to supporting worthy local causes has arrived. Visit preservationinc.org to learn more.

BPI’s first event is a benefit concert for the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad. Watch for a special email invitation coming soon — this intimate evening will not be publicly advertised, and tickets will be available by invitation only.

To learn more about BPI or to be added to the invitation list, contact BPI at info@preservationinc.org.