Thursday, February 13, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

HomeTagsKaren Smith

Tag: Karen Smith

State Rep. Davis requesting meeting with DPU about Housatonic Water Works lack of compliance with state-mandated projects

In her letter to DPU officials, Davis wrote that "Water is a fundamental public good, and I will continue to advocate for sustainable solutions to provide clean, reliable water to all residents."

Great Barrington’s cannabis quandary: What to do with that pot revenue?

Proposals for how to use the cannabis revenue windfall will be discussed by the selectboard and the finance committee in the upcoming deliberations for next year's budget, with voters having the final say on how to spend free cash at the annual town meeting in May.

Barrington panel eyes Housatonic School as site for office condos or child care

Economic development committee Chairman Steve Picheny wanted an update from town manager Mark Pruhenski on the environmental status of the building and then solicited thoughts from committee members about what uses they thought would suit the empty building.

Bannon and Davis victorious for Great Barrington Selectboard as Bailly is ousted; O’Connor wins finance committee seat; Mooney ousts Smith from housing authority

A Proposition 2½ override also passed by a margin of 692-402. The measure will allow the town to raise the tax levy enough to address building improvements to the former Housatonic School, Housatonic fire station, police station and Town Hall.

News Briefs: GB construction update; GB candidates’ forum; Conservation Land Tax Credit bill approved

A public forum for all Great Barrington candidates will be held Wednesday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the Claire Teague Senior Center, 917 South Main St.

For many Great Barrington voters, a tough decision for selectboard awaits

"I have no idea how this election will turn out. I put signs up this weekend. I asked some people to put up signs and they said no. They liked everybody." -- Great Barrington Selectboard Chair Steve Bannon

GB Election Round-up: Armed with ‘unique insights,’ Davis runs for selectboard; Atwood aims to regain seat on FinCom

"The work I do provides me with unique insights into how Great Barrington might better leverage state and federal monies, pursue shared services, and develop creative partnerships which would help to strengthen and sustain our community." -- Great Barrington Selectboard candidate Leigh Davis

Of plastic bottles and ‘marijuana wars’: a Great Barrington year in review

2018 has provided enough Great Barrington news to keep journalists busy and observers of town politics highly amused, signaling that the community dubbed "best small town in America" by Smithsonian Magazine continues to be a place in transition.

Library trustees letter inaccurate; Karen Smith expects a ‘public retraction and apology’

The accusations came to a head earlier this month when the selectboard held a hearing to consider calls for her removal from the housing authority. Some witnesses vouched for Smith's integrity and hard work but others accused her of practicing nepotism, creating an environment of "toxicity," and exhibiting "aggressive and hostile behavior."

Selectboard listens to complaints about HA chair’s leadership style but declines to remove her

Selectboard Chair Steve Bannon agreed that Housing Authority Chair Karen Smith's transgressions do not rise to the standard for removal under state law.

Great Barrington’s search for a Town Manager off to a sleepy start

“I think the town’s been run just fine the past five years. Jennifer did a great job. I’m very sorry to see her go.” -- Selectman Bill Cooke

Lively selectboard election in the offing this spring in Great Barrington

Friday, March 23, is the last day nomination papers can be obtained from the town clerk for candidates who want to be on the ballot for the Tuesday, May 15, nonpartisan municipal elections.

Berkshires’ Karen Smith, Phil Pryjma embark on humanitarian mission to Kenya

Their projects focus on children, education, families and self-sufficiency and sustainability through revenue generating projects that empower people to strengthen their local economies and enrich their communities.

Three recreational trails among 10 projects vying for Community Preservation funding

This year, the CPA application requests from the town of Great Barrington and other organizations totaled more than $1 million.

Great Barrington’s parking shortfall: Fact or fiction?

"If you don't think we have a problem, watch drivers circle our streets on Saturdays like desperate sharks.” --- Writer and downtown resident Mickey Friedman

Here we go again: Berkshire Hills mulls a third try at rebuilding Monument High School

At a meeting Thursday night, the school committee voted unanimously to ask Superintendent Peter Dillon to draft a mission and recommend the composition of a panel that would meet regularly and propose a solution for the aging school.

Great Barrington pedals to the future, and learns the Dutch Reach

“I was amazed by the number of bicycles in Holland. Everyone rides. Older people are riding bikes. There are bikes paths everywhere, and I couldn’t get over how quiet it was.” --- Karen Smith, chair of the Great Barrington Parks and Recreation Commission
spot_img

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.