Lenox and Stockbridge — In conjunction with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC), Stockbridge and Lenox officials are holding an open house on September 17, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the Lenox Town Hall to profile the results of a project that aims to increase connectivity between the towns. Those efforts include expanding pedestrian and bicycle networks in the areas of Route 183, Hawthorne Road, Hawthorne Street, and Old Stockbridge Road.
A discussion of the materials presented at the event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
“Anyone who is interested in being able to walk or bicycle to Tanglewood or some other recreational assets around the area like Gould Meadows, Kripalu, the town boat ramp in Stockbridge or the White Pines area, and Hawthorne Road, they’re very welcome to attend and to learn more about it,” BRPC Senior Transportation Planner Nicholas Russo told The Berkshire Edge.
However, he said no decisions will be made at this time, but the effort allows the communities “to see what is possible and to keep on the radar” projects for future town processes such as drafting open space and recreation plans or applying for grant funding. “They can look at this toolbox and say, ‘This study has been done, we have what to expect and we can institute options further and flesh them out more,’” Russo said.
The event will show “very preliminary lines on maps,” with initial diagrams pointing out where crosswalks or paths may be constructed on a higher level of vision, he said, with very basic cost estimates for the projects. Those estimates could range from about $150,000 for smaller projects to a more substantial cost such as $1 million for a mile of sidewalks along Old Stockbridge Road, according to Russo.
A group of stakeholders from the two towns approached BRPC earlier this year who were interested in improving the bicycling and pedestrian connectivity in the Tanglewood area, with an eye toward the agency managing a study that could possibly result in a project or projects. BRPC monies tallying about $30,000 were used to fund the endeavor that included third-party consultant BETA Group Inc. in assisting in the analysis and developing cost estimates.
Next steps in the project involve individual towns allocating funds to move the process forward, with the consent of planning boards and other local departments as well as determining grant opportunities.
Presentation materials will be uploaded to the BRPC website on the day of the program.
BRPC is the regional planning agency for Berkshire County.
