In anticipation that there could be more such establishments approaching the town in the future, the selectboard is trying to come up with a template that will serve as a model for all host agreements that might come up.
"There is no discernable evidence leading me to conclude future real property values will be negatively impacted by such an occasion and to assert otherwise is speculation."
-- Town Assessor Chris Lamarre
Benchmark's principals had informally brought the plans to the Historic District Commission meeting and were met by the reality that the land parcel’s proximity to Searles Castle and its carriage house may raise some hoops to jump through.
“It’s not right for Great Barrington, and at least for the immediate future we don’t need to continue the conversation.”
-- Great Barrington Selectboard Chair Sean Stanton
A diverse assortment of parcels were offered at the public auction ranging from 2-acre individual, contiguous lots located in a residential area to smaller parcels close to the center of town. All properties have been held by the Town through foreclosure for more than four years.
