Common Ground E-Newsletter
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A Newsletter for Community Planning in the Berkshires
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Annual Meeting October 16th
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 16th at Proprietor's Lodge in Pittsfield.
The event will begin with networking, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar at 5 pm. Presentations, including a special guest speaker, will follow.
All municipal officials (either elected and appointed), as well as representatives from our partner organizations, are welcome.
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Public Meeting - Energy Facilities Siting Regulations
The Energy Facilities Siting Board will hold a public meeting on Sept. 8 to discuss draft regulations related to implementing a clean energy and climate law passed last November. The meeting will include presentations on revisions to the proposals listed above and, time permitting, provide an opportunity for public comment. The board is expected to initiate a formal rulemaking process with additional opportunities for written and oral comments.
Revised draft regulations are expected to be made available prior to the next meeting.
More information about the clean energy siting and permitting reform process can be found on the Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting Reforms website, and questions can be directed to energypermitting@mass.gov.
Date: Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 10 am
Venue: in-person at One South Station, Boston, MA 02110 (3rd flr, Large Hearing Room) or via Zoom using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84389211751
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Rural Planning Workshop - Design and Affordability
An Illustrated Talk by Randall Arendt, RFTPI, ASLA
The Egremont Planning Board invites you to an evening with Randall Arendt, a nationally recognized expert and author, to consider the Town’s upcoming zoning opportunities, and how they can shape the future of Egremont. This workshop is a unique opportunity to learn how new development can fit into Egremont’s traditional small-town rural character.
Date: Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 from 7 pm to 9 pm
Venue: Egremont Town Hall, 171 Egremont Plain Rd., Egremont, MA 01258 or via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89917912149?pwd=YFwPdkGlgST3QZvaD4F8c51CZ1b6ii.1
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Citizen Planner Training Collaborative (CPTC) Western Mass Conference
CPTC is coming to Western MA for an in-person conference! The inaugural Western MA Conference in 2023 was a great success. If you serve on a Planning Board, Zoning Board, or are a citizen or professional planner, join us in Greenfield, MA. This year, there will be four sessions in the morning (choice of one topic per timeslot), plus a continental breakfast will be available. Read more and register on the CPTC website.
Date: Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Venue: Greenfield Community College, One College Drive, Greenfield, MA 01301
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MARPA and DLS Conference 2025
Please join the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA) and the Division of Local Services (DLS) at the 2025 MARPA and DLS Conference. Save the date and time to your calendar and register now. Additional information about the conference will be coming soon.
Date: Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
Venue: Hogan Campus Center, College of the Holy Cross - Ballroom; 1 College St., Worcester, MA. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m., and the Conference will begin at 9:00 a.m.
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ADU Office Hours
EOHLC has announced the start of ADU office hours, beginning this June, to support municipal planners in understanding Massachusetts’ new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law and regulations, which became fully effective as of February 2nd, 2025. These sessions will provide an opportunity for planners to engage with EOHLC and ask questions about the new law and regulations. Please note – ADU office hours are open to all municipal planning and building official staff – they are not intended for the general public.
Upcoming Dates: 9/10, 10/8, 11/12. Registration is REQUIRED.
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Berkshire County Municipal Officials Networking
The Berkshire Municipal Managers Association, Berkshire Selectmen's Association, and BRPC continue to collaborate on quarterly networking events for elected and appointed officials. The next networking event will occur on Thursday, October 30th, at the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center from 5 to 7 pm. Our special guest will be Inspector General Jeffery Shapiro. Please register in advance on Eventbrite.
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FREE Stormwater Workshop
The Northeast has seen the sharpest increase in extreme precipitation in the U.S., with rainfall intensity rising by more than 50% in recent decades. Communities face growing flood risks, polluted runoff, and strain on aging drainage systems, making stormwater management a top priority.
Mass River Alliance is hosting a Strategies for Municipal & Regional Stormwater Management Workshop on September 25, 2025. This free, in-person workshop will highlight funding opportunities and strategies to help municipalities strengthen resilience and meet stormwater requirements. Topics include stormwater by-law updates, asset management, regional cooperation, and municipal stormwater utilities.
Visit the Mass River Alliance Rainwater Readiness event page to register.
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National Endowment for the Humanities - Public Humanities Project Grants
This program funds exhibits and interpretive programming focused on American Military History and Valor, the American Dream and Economic Freedom, American Exceptionalism in World Affairs, or the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Applications are due by September 10th, 2025. Learn more on the NEH website.
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Mass. Department of Environmental Protection - Clean Energy Results Program
The Department of Environmental Protection's Clean Energy Results Program seeks proposals from publicly owned water and wastewater facilities, as well as nonprofits and small businesses engaged in food production, processing, and distribution.
Proposals are due by September 19th, 2025 at 5pm. Learn more on COMMBUYS.
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EOHLC & Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation
Pre-applications will be accepted on or before October 23rd, 2025 for Supporting Housing for Vulnerable Populations funds.
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Division of Ecological Restoration - Dam Removal Preliminary Design Services
These studies will help landowners and partners assess opportunities and constraints during early planning phases of potential aquatic habitat restoration and climate resilience projects. DER is interested in dam removal projects that are at an early stage of development and/or decision-making. Selected projects will be eligible to receive technical assistance from DER staff and DER-led contracted technical services from qualified vendors.
Responses are due on October 30th, 2025 by 3pm. Learn more on COMMBUYS.
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MassDOT's Local Early and Actionable Planning (LEAP) Program
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation's Local Early and Actionable Planning (LEAP) Program provides, on a first-come, first-served basis, planning and early-stage design funding to cities and towns with a focus on rural and economically disadvantaged communities. A total of $1 Million will be distributed through this NEW program.
Learn more on their website.
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Got Beaver Issues? Funding is available, even if you already work with Beaver Solutions.
MSPCA offers funding for “beaver deceivers” (water flow devices to mitigate beaver-related flooding). Municipalities, organizations, and individuals can apply on a rolling basis. If you have questions, contact Melissa Ekvall, MSPCA.
If you have a beaver issue, the first step is to complete an assessment with Beaver Solutions. Beaver Solutions will then invoice MSPCA directly. Beaver Solutions can be reached at (413) 527-6472 or through their website, www.beaversolutions.com.
| | | | Overwhelmed? Reach out to your BFF (Berkshire Funding Focus) for help navigating grant applications! Take a look at additional grant opportunities and resources on our website: www.berkshirefundingfocus.org. | | | |
Community Planning
Program Manager CJ Hoss
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Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market closing third and final year in October
The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market is in its third and final year. The first market of the summer was June 17th, and it will run until October 17th.
The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market operates six markets per week, Tuesday through Friday, in five Berkshire communities. Funded by a USDA Grant, the goal is to bring fresh, locally grown food to areas of low-income and/or low food access, helping to bridge the gap between local food producers and community members by making fresh, healthy, local food accessible for all. The market utilizes a FairShare payment system offering the option to pay full price, half price, or take home $50 worth of food for food-insecure shoppers.
BRPC Intern Andrew Simons reflected on his experience supporting the market this summer: “Working the Wednesday market at Wahconah Park was an amazing experience; aside from it being a nice way to get out of the office and get some sun and fresh air, it gave me the opportunity to meet and work with a team of incredible people. The market did more than just provide healthy food; it acted as a place for learning and community. Throughout the summer, I got to witness people coming together, conversing, and learning about healthy local foods. Market staff were knowledgeable about the variety of food at the market and were able to share it with the customers. The market is not only bridging the gap in physical access to healthy foods, but also a knowledge gap. This was an eye-opening experience for me, as it taught me a lot about local food systems and food inequality, as well as how to cook and eat healthy. I am very glad I was able to be a part of this amazing program. I want to thank my fellow market employees and volunteers who made my time such an incredible experience. No matter how hot or packed the market was, we always managed to make it a good time. I would also like to thank everyone involved in organizing the market, including the farmers.”
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Community Development & Housing
Program Manager CJ Hoss
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ADA Improvements at Lanesborough Town Hall
The Town of Lanesborough’s ADA Transition Plan identified several projects at Town Hall, including installing automatic door openers on the entry door off the ramp on the south side of the building, installing drain insulation on bathroom sinks in the bathrooms, which were otherwise compliant, and lowering counters at the Town Clerk and Collector’s offices.
The Town received a Municipal ADA Improvement Grant and engaged with BRPC to bid out the projects with a completion date of June 30, 2025. Unfortunately, inflation from the original estimates allowed only the automatic door opener installation and drain insulation on bathroom sinks to be completed.
For the automatic door installation, the Town contracted with New England Door Closer and the Town’s electrician, Joe Knysh, to tie into some electrical near the main and vestibule doors, and install two Gyro-Tech Automatic Door Openers and their associated controls. This upgrade allows citizens to access the building more comfortably, making trips to the Town Hall and Library easier for all. The total cost for the materials and labor (at prevailing wages) was $8,785.
The town contracted with plumber Nick Pipp for the sink insulation. Nick installed the insulation, which keeps the pipes from getting too hot when a wheelchair user uses the sinks. This inexpensive fix to keep people safe only costs $300 for the three sink drains.
Town Manager Gina Dario states, “The Town of Lanesborough is committed to making progressive improvements to its Town Hall building to ensure compliance with ADA legislation. BRPC was instrumental in securing grant funding and facilitating the implementation of projects that have enhanced accessibility for residents to Lanesborough’s historic Town Hall. Residents now have easier access through automated doors and accessible bathrooms. We are looking forward to the next stage of projects that will ensure our front service counters are accessible to all.”
Both of these projects required very little modification to existing facilities. Projects like this make an outsized impact on the ability of everyone to access their public facilities. These modifications are especially beneficial to the aging population that many towns in Berkshire County have. In the future, we would like to continue to work with Lanesborough and other towns to make incremental improvements in their buildings, most of which were constructed when these features were not taken into account.
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Data & Information Services
Program Manager Mark Maloy
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Census 2030
It seems like the 2020 Census just wrapped up, but preparations for the 2030 Census are already beginning. In 2027, the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) will begin. LUCA is the main opportunity for municipalities to ensure they get a complete count in 2030. The LUCA process involves reviewing the Census addresses and adding any new addresses that the Census does not have.
Using various local sources, such as voting records, building permits, and assessor records, municipalities can begin to build a list of known addresses that can be used to verify the Census addresses. BRPC can assist communities in compiling and organizing this list. For more information, contact Mark Maloy.
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Economic Development Planning
Program Manager Laura Brennan
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List Your Surplus Public Properties
MassDevelopment and the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council are compiling a regional inventory of surplus public properties that may be suitable for redevelopment. This digital list will be advertised at the upcoming Developers Conference on October 15, 2025, to help attract private investment and raise visibility for promising sites.
Each municipality is invited to submit up to six surplus public properties that could be positioned for commercial, industrial, mixed-use, or multi-family housing development.
The submission form is designed to be quick and easy. It is mostly multiple choice, and estimates are perfectly acceptable. It takes approximately 10–20 minutes to complete.
Questions? Contact Ben Murphy at bwmurphy@massdevelopment.com.
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Priority Redevelopment Sites Strategy for Berkshire County
During FY26, BRPC staff will ensure that up-to-date, thorough, and actionable information is
available to support major investments in underutilized properties throughout Berkshire
County. We are currently developing a GIS model to identify a list of potential priority sites. The information will then be analyzed for factors including proximity to water/sewer, major roadways and/or rail access, current zoning, and quality of utilities, including broadband.
BRPC will contact communities to verify this information, and we look forward to engaging you in this process. If there are potential redevelopment sites you want to be sure we include in our research, please contact Laura Brennan.
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Environmental & Energy Planning
Program Manager Melissa Provencher
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September is National Preparedness Month. Is Your Community Ready?
As summer winds down, September is a time to focus on disaster readiness. In Massachusetts, this time is especially important since September and October coincide with the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. Last year, the season featured 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes; it was also the first since 2019 to feature multiple Category 5 hurricanes.
With warmer ocean waters, storms are becoming more intense and reaching farther north. Although New England is less often hit than southern states, history shows we are not immune. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and their remnants can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and power outages. Preparedness can make a big difference. Municipalities and organizations can strengthen resilience by maintaining drainage systems, sharing information with residents, and promoting flood awareness.
Actions municipal leaders can take this month:
• Share emergency alert and safety information through your website, social media, flyers, and local boards or committees.
• Work with groups serving vulnerable residents (Councils on Aging, Disability Committees, ESL programs, Parent Teacher Groups) to spread preparedness messages.
• Promote outage readiness: test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and remind residents about safe generator use.
• Encourage households to build an emergency kit and keep at least three days' food, water, and medicine.
• Review shelter plans for accessibility and readiness.
• Coordinate with DPWs and first responders to clear drainage systems and check equipment before storms.
Helpful Resources from Mass.gov:
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Public Health
Program Manager Laura Kittross
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Supporting Youth Mental Health in Berkshire County
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked in the lives of young people under the age of 18. The most recent Prevention Needs Assessment in Berkshire County revealed that 37% of students reported either having been referred or self-referred to mental health services. This finding underscores the real challenges youth are facing, while also showing that many are taking steps to seek the help they need.
The data also shows areas where more support is urgently needed. 15.5% of students reported not having a trusted adult in their lives, leaving them without a vital source of guidance, support, and care. Additionally, 55.9% reported being bullied at school without telling anyone, pointing to the need for safer spaces and stronger systems where students feel comfortable speaking up.
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By listening to young people and acknowledging these realities, schools, communities, and organizations can better address the growing demand for support. Early intervention, open conversations, and access to resources are critical in reducing stigma and helping youth build resilience. Equally important, we must establish and promote community spaces where they feel heard and valued. When young people are included as decision-makers, they gain a stronger sense of belonging and help shape solutions that directly reflect their experiences and needs.
When youth feel safe talking about their struggles, know where to turn for help, and are empowered to be part of decision-making conversations, we are all taking essential steps toward creating a healthier and more compassionate environment where youth will thrive. Our SPARK Coalition has taken heed of these challenges by identifying resources and organizing a mental health subcommittee through our Youth Advisory Board that allows youth to express their concerns and help adults shape the path toward healthier lives.
To find more information, please visit our website at www.sparkberkshires.org
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Transportation Planning
Program Manager Clete Kus
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The Berkshire Bike Path is within reach, and might look different than you imagine
by Nick Russo, Senior Transportation Planner
The idea of a continuous, connected, low-stress bicycling route through Berkshire County has persisted for decades. Connecting our town and village centers with a real cycling option would provide an alternative to the notorious congestion and parking crunch in the summer months and would lower the cost of transportation for workers and shoppers.
After getting a unique opportunity to visit continental Europe this summer and cycle over 160 miles around southern Germany and the Netherlands, there were many examples that stood out to me for what could be brought back to the Berkshires. Solutions that we may not have considered as thoroughly up to this point should be worked into the Berkshire Bike Path plan. These include (1) regionwide bicycle wayfinding systems, (2) a reimagining of how the highway right-of-way could be allocated for driving, cycling, and walking, and (3) smart ways of sharing existing streets where appropriate.
| | Wayfinding signs in Germany (left) and the Netherlands (right) provided guidance and reassurance while navigating on both rural country roads and dense urban cities. | | Navigating around Berkshire County by bike can be different than by car. With e-bikes now a staple offering at most bike shops, the Berkshire Hills need no longer be seen as a barrier for cycling in the region... Read the full article on www.berkshireplanning.org. | |
| We've revamped our e-newsletter to improve ADA compliance and readability.
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