Stockbridge — The shiny new directional signs recently installed in town received a “thumbs up” from many citizens and commercial proprietors. However, some residents say the endeavor needs tweaking.
Promulgated by the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce, the measure was approved back in February by the Stockbridge Select Board after reviewing depictions of the signs intended to denote cultural landmarks, including Tanglewood.
During the Select Board’s August 15 meeting, Jorja Marsden approached the dais—with Select Board member Jamie Minacci absent—requesting the group relocate the signs erected in front of the Civil War Monument. Although she said she wasn’t against the signs, the site is “in honor of all of our soldiers from Stockbridge that died in the Civil War.” “So, it’s a memorial,” Marsden said, adding some history to the request. “When the land was given in 1798, it was never to be built upon or occupied for any other way than as an open common. In 1882, the selectmen voted that all obstructions or fences or other items on that square should be removed.”
She also recalled a situation in the 1990s when a sign was constructed on the site but had to be removed.
Marsden proposed moving the sign to the area up Route 7, at the beginning of the Cat and Dog Fountain, with that relocation also helpful for visitors to determine which lane to access depending on the desired cultural site.
Backup materials included in the evening’s agenda featured numerous letters in support of the new directional signage from various local business owners and representatives such as The Red Lion Inn, the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Berkshire Botanical Garden, noting the helpfulness of the signs for visitors. Those letters can be found here.
However, Tom Stokes provided a letter and spoke at the session criticizing the signs, including Gould Meadows signage, for safety and aesthetic issues. He said the signs cause motorists to stop to read their lettering, possibly prompting vehicles behind the stoppage to create an accident. “Given its size, the sign compromises one of the most scenic natural vistas in the Berkshires,” Stokes stated.
Stockbridge Land Trust President Rich Bradway submitted a letter to town officials voicing concern over the distraction caused by the signage, as well as its detraction from the picturesque entrance to the area.
Resident Josh Peyron agreed and provided input at the meeting that the Tanglewood area sign creates a dangerous intersection for visitors meandering down the road, searching for those cultural sites that may be further away.
Chair Ernesto Cardillo responded that the Select Board went through “all of the proper channels” before giving its approval for the signs, including an open meeting and public hearing on the measure, as well as site visits. According to Town Administrator Michael Canales, Chamber of Commerce monies were granted to Stockbridge for the signage and the cost to relocate those signs would be borne by town funds.
Citing about 20 letter submissions from the cultural institutions and local businesses, Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Barbara Zanetti said those entities said their representatives are constantly being asked for guidance in finding local historical and cultural sites. “They realize that having directional signs are wise to have,” she said. Zanetti noted some resident concerns about the signs including font size, especially the sign in front of the cemetery. She said the group can address that issue with the sign designer.
The sign question will be taken up at a later meeting, giving time to research options, including costs, in response.
At the meeting, the Select Board also:
- Approved allowing umbrella signs on Main Street due to a possible ambiguity in the governing bylaw restricting the temporary signage;
- Approved two easements on Church Street the town passed in 2019 but were never acted upon;
- Approved the appointment of William Resetarits to the Kampoosa Bog Stewardship Committee but delayed the appointment of Hugh Page to the Cemetery Commission to allow for the position to be advertised before a September vote is taken;
- Approved the 2024 State Primary warrant;
- Approved a one-day alcohol license for Chesterwood on September 5, 7, and 14, as well as a request by the Boston Symphony Orchestra to extend its hours at Tanglewood to midnight, allowing for two weddings on September 28 and October 19; and
- Approved an Intermunicipal Agreement with the town of Lee regarding a $1 million grant received by the entities that had originally sought to join its emergency services, resulting in a $300,000 package for Stockbridge that includes an ambulance.
