The event was a big success—collecting almost 50 Christmas trees and other holiday greens and multiple boxes of food donations and $1,700 for the Lee Food Pantry, which serves residents from several communities in the area.
One cannot swing a cat in town lately without hitting a controversy: Michelle Loubert complained that using CPA funds to finance repair of the historic Unitarian Universalist Meeting House in Housatonic violated separation of church and state.
The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce weekly construction schedule for work along Main Street in Great Barrington, from St. James Place to Cottage Street through the village downtown.
We are grateful that the [CPA] funds will help pay for the new slate roof for the church and parish hall as we move ahead to repair, renovate and transform the big beautiful buildings on the corner of Main Street and St. James Place/ Taconic Avenue.
“The historic character of the town, open space and recreation are absolutely critical components for the economy and this is one way to underwrite that quality of life. A vote for or against any of these projects does not impact your tax bill. CPA funds have already been collected since 2012, and will continue to be collected. We have nine worthy projects to start spending the money on.”
-- Great Barrington Town Planner Christopher Remold
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a cooperative town and state funding program by which communities may fund projects for open space preservation, creation of affordable housing, preservation of historic buildings and landscapes, and the creation of recreational resources.
When asked what he would do tonight, when temperatures are expected to dip into the negative and school opening tomorrow has been delayed because of dangerously cold temperatures, Magadini said, “I’m going to endeavor to not trespass, and avoid going where I’m not welcome.”
The Wetherbee Vault was immediately turned down after the committee learned from Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Joseph Sokul that the Cemetery Commission all along had enough money to take care of the deteriorating vault.
"We are always working on multiple funding streams: grants from many sources and direct fundraising from individuals and businesses. We're an all-volunteer effort, working as a community to build a community resource. We'll keep working.”
-- Great Barrington Fairgrounds Co-founder Janet Elsbach, after GBFG application was rejected for being late
"With a strong CPA fund, the town will be better able to meet some of our important affordable housing, historic preservation and open space needs."
-- Great Barrington Town Manager Jennifer Tabakin
“I’m not here to give out money because people applied,” she said. “I’m here to give out money because it’s best for the town.”
-- Community Preservation Committee member Kathleen Jackson
