Great Barrington Planning Board Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Great Barrington Planning Board met on July 9, 2026, to consider a site plan review for the Barrington Water District interconnection building, discuss compliance concerns at the Barrington Brook subdivision, and address other business. Three members were present initially, with a fourth joining later. The meeting included public comments, a unanimous vote on the site plan with conditions, and a commitment to seek legal advice on enforcement options for Barrington Brook.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 25, 2026): Unanimously approved as amended.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michelle (16 Burning Tree Road): Expressed concerns about water tanker traffic from the proposed fill station, citing past issues on Division Street and the compromised bridge over the Williams River. Urged the board to dig deeper into traffic implications. Also questioned water quality from Housatonic Water and the logic of pumping during emergencies.
• Claudia Shapiro (One Plains Road): Sought clarification on the purpose of the interconnection, distinguishing between a backup emergency source and a secondary water source. The project sponsor confirmed it is a backup for 2-3 days, not a daily supply, after over two decades of searching for a backup.
• James (84 North End Road): Asked if Housatonic Water pays the fire district for emergency use; no definitive answer was provided.
• Mr. Brown (Trustee, Estates at Barrington Brook): Detailed ongoing non-compliance at Barrington Brook, including boulder dumping, tree box filter issues, and unfulfilled promises since 2022. Stated that only junk removal had occurred since a May 21st letter. Urged the board to withhold permits or require a completion bond, warning that homeowners would otherwise be stuck with unresolved problems.
• Randy Austin (26 Burning Tree, HOA representative): Supported stopping permits until fixes are made, noting that the developer has not paid HOA fees and a new entity may take over. Also raised concerns about the common area around the pool.

Discussion Items

• Site Plan Review - Barrington Water District Interconnection Building:
  • Project Description: A new building at 32 Lock 51 on Christian Hill Road to interconnect water systems between the Great Barrington Fire District and Housatonic Water Company. The building will house pumps, a generator, and UV treatment, with a potential water fill station (alternate bid). The project provides emergency backup capability for up to 2-3 days.
  • Board questions covered: screening (six white spruce trees staggered), exterior lighting (motion-activated, downlit, 3000K), generator noise (rated 65 dB at 23 feet, sound-attenuated enclosure), stormwater management, foundation design, and compliance with zoning bylaw Section 6.4.6.
  • Public concerns included water quality from Housatonic, potential traffic from water tankers, and the need for treatment. The project sponsor stated that sample taps and space for disinfection would be available, but no specific filtration system was required.
  • The board discussed whether the fill station could be approved; it was determined not to be an essential service. The approval would explicitly exclude commercial filling.
• Barrington Brook Subdivision - Compliance Update:
  • Planning staff reported that a May 21st letter identified compliance issues (boulders, tree box filter, drainage) and received a June 20th response and a July 6th comment letter from trustees. The developer transferred interest to a new entity.
  • The board holds one lot (Lot 5) under covenant, but it may be unbuildable due to an unauthorized drainage swale. Other lots have been released. The board discussed limited teeth; options include potentially withholding permits or issuing stop-work orders, pending legal advice from town counsel.
  • Trustees and homeowners spoke in favor of strong action, warning that without it, the developer may never finish required work.
• Board Discussion on Enforcement and Process:
  • Members noted that site plan conditions sometimes do not reach the building inspector, leading to non-compliance. They agreed to add an agenda item to explore post-construction certifications, plan notes, and better communication with the building department.
• Design Advisory Committee (DAC) and OSRP Signage:
  • Jackie reported on DAC’s interest in wayfinding and historical signage, referencing OSRP recommendations. Pedro suggested DAC could pursue bylaw changes and grant funding independently rather than waiting for the planning board.

Key Outcomes

• Site Plan Approval (Water District Building): Unanimously approved with two conditions: 1) Provide cut sheets for exterior lighting that comply with Section 6.4.6 (downlit, motion-activated, 3000K, no permanent illumination between 11 pm and 5 am unless dimmed). 2) This approval shall not be construed as approval of a commercial water fill station; that would require separate zoning relief.
• Barrington Brook: No vote. The board will seek legal advice from town counsel on whether it can withhold permits, issue stop-work orders, or enforce compliance on Lot 5 (made unbuildable). A report is expected by the next meeting.
• Upcoming Meetings: The July 23rd meeting was rescheduled to July 30th to allow the chair to attend. The August 13th meeting will include a special permit hearing for a hanging sign at 343 Main Street (Chamber of Commerce); members were asked to check availability.
• Enforcement Process Review: The board will add an agenda item for a future meeting to discuss improving the transmission of site plan conditions to the building department and consider post-construction compliance measures.