To the editor:
In his recent opinion piece entitled “The case for a seasonal community designation,” Mr. White writes, “At a recent Planning Board meeting in Stockbridge, the chair spoke with some derision concerning the tiny-homes requirement. I frankly find opposition to tiny homes downright bizarre.” I am that person and take my role as chair of the Stockbridge Planning Board seriously. His reference to my comments about affordable housing as derisive and “downright bizarre” are not only disrespectful and misleading but they disrupt the civil discourse that is essential to effective, responsible town governance. This is especially true for issues involving zoning and equity, like affordable housing. The Planning Board’s mandate is best achieved with a deliberate and responsive approach, one I encourage on any issue that comes before us, especially this one.
The legislature’s introduction of the Affordable Homes Act was such that cities and towns have had very little time to respond and implement required zoning changes; draft regulations were only issued on December 9, with the law going into effect on February 2. I have been working diligently with Town Administrator Mike Canales, Town Counsel Donna Brewer, and Senator Paul Mark’s helpful aide Gabrielle Hanson to ensure I have the information as it is made available from the state agency implementing the legislature’s mandate in order to understand the changes as they impact zoning. As I speak with these people, there are questions that have come up, and the answers are not necessarily available yet or clear.
Reckless and emotionally charged accusations may be satisfying; it is less clear that they are helpful in moving the process forward. I will proceed, in consultation with objective counsel, to the best of my ability and with the interests of the whole town in mind.
Kate Fletcher
Chair of the Stockbridge Planning Board
Stockbridge
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