To the Editor:
Last week a flyer was distributed around Great Barrington objecting to the proposed affordable housing project at 100 Bridge Street that is up before the Zoning Board of Appeals this week. The flyer, which was distributed by a group called The Green Tea Party, makes reference to several organizations that “said no repeatedly” including Berkshire Co-op Market.
I’d like to clarify the inaccuracy of this statement. The Co-op spent many months in negotiation to be a part of this project. And, while it is true that an agreement has not been reached, that fact had nothing to do with the perceived viability of the project. Co-op leadership all agreed that we thought the development would work if an agreement was reached and support the creation of affordable and market rate housing on Bridge Street.
The Co-op supports any individual or group’s right to express their views, whether or not we agree. However, we do think those people need to be held responsible to the truth, especially when representing the views of others.
We have asked representatives of the Green Tea Party to change the text of their communications and remove any previously posted flyers and statements. As of the writing of this letter, no changes have been made to my knowledge.
Daniel Esko
General Manager
Berkshire Co-op Market
