At Monday's Great Barrington Selectboard meeting at the Claire Teague Senior Center, concerns ranged from traffic, speeding, and the impact the closure of the Division Street and Cottage Street bridges are having on businesses and residents alike.
Police Chief Bill Walsh, along with Sgt. Paul Storti, presented a recently designed strategic enforcement plan to the selectboard Monday night at the Claire Teague Senior Center.
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
Though the vote was unanimous to keep the bridge closed, selectboard Chairman Steve Bannon said the board could always change its mind if there was a groundswell of objections from neighbors.
That Day came up with such a bold housing plan is remarkable; that he did so in concert with the priest is further amazing, allowing as he did the opportunity for the parish to sell building lots to help fund its church construction.
Town officials say the new cultural district will engage in marketing and communication efforts such as cultural district signage and brochures. District officials will also develop a shared calendar of events and promote downtown activities and businesses.
When the idea of a cultural council was first floated early this year, town officials emphasized that applying for the designation will cost the town nothing and that anyone whose property is included in a cultural district will face no additional limitations on the use of that property.
“We started with nothing. It was just a rubble heap. As more and more people came forward, I had to struggle to keep up with their desire for bringing the river back into the community.”
-- Rachel Fletcher, describing the beginnings of the Housatonic River Walk
The rickety-looking bridge has long been the subject of complaints and concerns of nearby residents and passersby who have questioned its structural integrity and the appropriateness of allowing large vehicles such as dump trucks and semi-tractor trailers to rumble over its pockmarked decking.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation defines a complete street as "one that provides safe and accessible options for all travel modes - walking, biking, transit and vehicles – for people of all ages and abilities."
Town officials say the initiative is consistent with Great Barrington's economic development priorities, which place a strong emphasis on strengthening and marketing the diverse set of cultural destinations in the heart of town.
In 1798, Timothy Dwight, president of Yale College, described Great Barrington and its buildings as “decayed…barely decent…ruinous.” He blamed it on the residents who were not properly religious.
