In the spirit of reflection and self-examination, herein lies The Edge's second annual Great Barrington year in review. It includes some select stories from other South County towns as well, along with embedded links to Edge stories for more information.
Our intent with this column and the radio broadcast is to describe the issues and how they do or do not get solved so that we, all voters and taxpayers, can be part of the process. So please, keep the comments coming.
Retailers and other business owners often complain about is the thin labor pool that makes staffing difficult in southern Berkshire County. The problem is caused in no small measure by the lack of affordable housing
"I don't think this is good for Great Barrington. I think we already have conflicts with the other two towns over the school and I don't see this as bringing it together.”
-- Ed Abrahams, commenting on Selectman and School Committee Chair Steve Bannon also becoming Selectboard chairman.
Castle Street firehouse owner Thomas Borshoff has no incentive to do his promised redevelopment. He is making money by doing nothing, with rent from the town from whom he purchased the property.
“I am very confident that we will be able to stand here sometime in the future, and find that Castle Street has been transformed by this restoration.”
-- 20 Castle St. LLC principal Thomas Borshoff, upon acquiring the firehouse in 2014
“I'd like to get out of the firehouse so the firehouse can be developed. If there’s an ability to get a tenant in there, it’s good for the project and for the activities of the town.”
-- Great Barrington Town Manager, Jennifer Tabakin
While the top floors of the Castle Street firehouse are occupied by town inspection services, the ground floor isn’t going entirely to waste. Three antique cars are nestled under wraps in the back bay.
"I am very confident that we will be able to stand here sometime in the future, and find that Castle Street has been transformed by this restoration."
-- Castle Street LLC owner Tom Borshoff
