Great Barrington Select Board Meeting – May 13, 2026

The Great Barrington Select Board met on Thursday, May 13, 2026. The meeting included board reorganization, a driveway permit hearing, a proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month, and a fiscal update from the Town Manager following the failure of the operational override vote. The board also heard public comments on the town's fiscal direction and development.

Consent Calendar

• The Select Board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from April 13 and April 14, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Driveway Permit Hearing (Abutter): Roger McDonald, representing the neighboring property at 14 Oak Street, expressed concerns about the expansion of a paved parking area at 16 Oak Street (OPL Foundation). He argued it negatively impacted the historic character of "The Hill" neighborhood and encroached on the property line. He suggested the applicants use the existing driveway on the other side of the house.
• Citizen Speak – James Garzone (84 North Sign Road): Garzone argued voters clearly rejected endless tax increases by not passing the override while approving the school. He criticized the town's approach to economic development (citing recent business closures) and called for greater fiscal discipline and the release of redacted invoices, stating transparency is not optional.
• Citizen Speak – Eric June (264 Main Street): June inquired about the town's cash flow situation following the override vote and suggested the root issue is the decline in state municipal aid. He urged the board to lobby the state legislature for increased aid.

Discussion Items

• Select Board Reorganization: Ben was elected Chair and Eric Gabriel was elected Vice Chair. The board confirmed existing liaison assignments.
• Town Manager Reports & Announcements: The Town Manager announced several initiatives including an Open House at Old Maid's Park (May 16-17), a MassDOT meeting on the French Street bridge, a new Affordable Housing Trust Fund RFP, a Crosswalk Art Initiative for the July 4th 250th anniversary, a "GB Gratitude" staff recognition platform, and National Public Works Week events.
• Fiscal Update & Override Impacts: The Town Manager confirmed the FY27 budget webpage has been updated to reflect the failed override, outlining program services and capital purchases that will not move forward. A strategic planning workshop will address the override's impacts and adjustments needed for strategic priorities.
• Driveway Permit Hearing (16 Oak Street): The applicant, Rachel Kalen of OPL Foundation (a group home operator), stated the parking pad was necessary for staff and client vehicles. She proposed reducing the parking area to the maximum 16-foot driveway width, reseeding the adjacent area, and installing a split-rail fence to prevent future expansion. Board members acknowledged the necessity but recommended adding screening shrubbery to mitigate visual impacts and act as a good-faith gesture to the neighborhood.

Key Outcomes

• Driveway Permit Approved: The Select Board voted unanimously to grant the driveway permit for 16 Oak Street as presented. The board included a recommendation for planting shrubbery or hedges along the property line for screening.
• Proclamation Adopted: A proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Great Barrington was approved unanimously.
• Crosswalk Committee Appointment: Garfield was appointed to the Town Manager's 250th Crosswalk Concept Review Team.
• Executive Session: The board voted unanimously via roll call (Phil, Ben, Garfield, Eric, Aye) to enter executive session to approve previous executive session minutes and confirmed they would not return to public session.