Great Barrington Conservation Commission Meeting - September 23, 2026

The Great Barrington Conservation Commission met on September 23, 2026, to consider several notices of intent under the Scenic Mountain Act and Wetlands Protection Act. The meeting included a withdrawal of a boardwalk project, approval of a single-family home with conditions, updates on an approved project, and administrative matters regarding local wildlife refuges and a building remediation.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of August 26, 2026 were approved as written by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 166 Castle Hill Avenue Project: Several neighbors spoke during the public hearing. Tracy Holland (165 Castle Hill) asked whether the house would be visible from Lake Mansfield. The applicants stated the house is set back over 200 feet from the lake, is a single story, and the dense forest and new plantings would screen it. Kathleen, a lakefront resident, expressed concern about tree cutting and increased visibility from the lake. Laura Stephen (Sumner Street) asked whether the planting plan was committed; the applicants confirmed 100% commitment with a 90% survival condition. Christine Laura (29 Castle Hill) asked about the house location relative to a large maple tree. Margaret McTeague (Castle Hill Avenue) asked if the home would be a primary residence; the chair ruled that not relevant. Umyer (11 George Street) raised concerns about a future boardwalk and dock, noting that the current OSRP prohibits docks. The chair noted that the boardwalk item was not on the agenda. Lauren (Columbia County, NY) spoke in support of the project. Richard (unidentified) asked about the tree removal and replanting ratio.

Discussion Items

• Withdrawal of 164 Castle Hill Boardwalk: The first notice of intent (file number 167-0491) for a boardwalk and walking path at 164 Castle Hill Avenue was withdrawn temporarily by the applicant. The public hearing was closed by motion and unanimous vote. Andrew Mankin recused himself.
• Notice of Intent for 166 Castle Hill Avenue (SMA 9-4-2026): The applicant, Berkshire Engineering on behalf of Maureen Cohen, proposed a single-family home, driveway, pool, and landscaping. The house was reduced from original plans by 1,000 square feet to approximately 4,500 square feet, with a height not exceeding 22 feet. The design includes a green roof, preservation of a large maple tree, restoration of a historic stone wall, and a stormwater management system with bioretention cells. The landscape plan includes removal of 15-16 trees and replanting of 16 trees, 12 evergreens, and 82 native shrubs. The project is outside of wetland buffers but within the Scenic Mountain Act jurisdiction. Commission members asked about driveway grade, buffer zones, stormwater, and final building plans.
• Update on 139 Alford Road (Emily Stockman): Emily Stockman presented updated plans for an approved project (file number 167-0486). The permit holders scaled back the deck and stairs due to cost, reducing impact and retaining same limits of work. Erosion controls and turtle exclusion barriers were installed. The commission approved the updated plans dated September 4, 2026 by unanimous vote.
• McAllister Wildlife Refuge Sign Vandalism: Kate reported that the “dogs must be leashed” sign was vandalized. Spare signs are available. Discussion ensued about dog waste bag supplies and trash collection. The commission will investigate DPW or parks department assistance or consider using conservation funds.
• Cook’s Garage Remediation Update: Kate provided an update on the ongoing remediation of Cook’s Garage. The emergency certification from DEP lapsed. The building contains asbestos and is structurally unsound. Efforts are focused on manual removal of debris (windows, bricks) from the Housatonic River, with consultation from DEP, Natural Heritage, and EPA. A MISA checklist and possibly a new emergency certification will be brought before the commission. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Approval (166 Castle Hill): The commission approved the project as presented with conditions: (1) final building plan must be submitted for review prior to construction; (2) building height not to exceed 22 feet; (3) plantings as described in the submitted plan are committed. Vote: Andrew Mankin recused; remaining members voted in favor (Andy Diddy, Ashley Shaw, Andrew Miano, Ted Pickering, Kate – all aye).
• Approval of Updated Plans (139 Alford Road): The commission approved the updated site plan dated September 4, 2026, for the 139 Alford Road project, noting no increase in impact. Vote: unanimous (including Andrew Mankin, who returned).
• Next Steps: The commission will follow up on the McAllister sign and dog waste issue. Kate will prepare a MISA checklist or emergency certification for manual removal of debris from the Housatonic River at Cook’s Garage.