# Great Barrington Planning Board Meeting – March 26, 2026

The Great Barrington Planning Board met on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in a hybrid format. All board members were present (Malcolm, Pedro, Jeremy, Jonathan, Jackie, Brandy). The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM.

### Consent Calendar
- **Minutes of March 12, 2026:** Approved as presented, with one abstention (Malcolm abstained).

### Special Permit Public Hearing – 34 Division Street
- **Applicant:** Marcy Buchelata requested a special permit to erect a six-foot-tall solid fence in the front yard of 34 Division Street (R2 zone) per Sections 4.2.9 and 10.4 of the zoning bylaw. The hearing was a continuation from March 12.
- **Public Hearing Reopened:** The board voted to reopen the hearing to allow the applicant to provide additional information and to allow full board participation.
- **Applicant Statement:** Ms. Buchelata stated the fence is for safety due to high-speed traffic (40 mph limit, often exceeded, tractor-trailers, no sidewalks) and to allow her family to safely use the yard. She committed to planting native species in front of the fence.
- **Public Comment:** Two neighbors spoke in support: Michelle LeBert (70 Division Street) and Jenada Shields (53 Division Street), citing peace of mind and child safety.
- **Board Discussion:** Members expressed varied opinions. Malcolm opposed, citing no benefit to the town/neighborhood, potential precedent, and the fence being for privacy not safety. Jonathan argued the fence could increase traffic speed. Others noted the road's high traffic volume, existing six-foot fences in the area, and that conditioned landscaping would mitigate visual impact.
- **Findings:** The board reviewed criteria under Section 10.4, including social/economic needs, traffic safety, neighborhood character, natural environment, and fiscal impact.
- **Vote:** The board voted 4-1 to grant the special permit, conditioned upon the installation of native plantings between the fence and the roadway.

### Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) – Working Session
- **Presentation:** Seth Jenkins of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission presented the OSRP process. Survey results: 437 respondents, 169 climbers; top activities: hiking/walking 66%, rock climbing 40%. Maps showed municipal, nonprofit, and state conservation lands. Key topics included strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
- **Public Working Session:** Attendees split into groups (in-room and online) for discussion. Focus areas included parks, playgrounds, active recreation, and connectivity.
- **Report Back:** In-room group highlighted: abundant open space but disconnected; need for better publicity and signage; partnerships with nonprofits (GBLC, BNRC) are vital; opportunities include expanded trails, disc golf, dog park, and pocket parks. Online group added concerns about underutilized spaces, maintenance funding, and climate change impacts.
- **Next Steps:** The next OSRP working session will be at the April 23, 2026 Planning Board meeting to review draft goals and objectives. A draft plan will be released in May.

### Other Business
- **Citizen Speak:** Devin discussed the lack of disc golf facilities in the region and proposed a course for Great Barrington, noting it is low-cost, accessible, and could draw visitors. The board showed interest.
- **Board Updates:** A new director for BRPC was noted, and a Community Preservation Coalition meeting on March 31 was announced.

### Key Outcomes
- Special permit granted (4-1) with landscaping condition.
- OSRP development continues; next meeting April 23, 2026.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM.