The Berkshire Edge On-Air - Wednesday April 13, 2022

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor.

1. We have had three interesting stories recently about the housing crisis facing the Berkshires::

• On Monday, April 4, we had a story from 1Berkshire, which helps promote local economic development. about the work of a task force and the report they have produced.  The report talks about obstacles to new housing development and ways to overcome  them.  https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-a-housing-vision-for-the-berkshires/

• Then yesterday, as part of our “It’s not That Simple” series, we published a discussion with a local developer and property manager about the hurdles you have to face when trying to build new housing. https://theberkshireedge.com/its-not-that-simple-who-will-build-our-housing/

• In our Monday Business section this week, we had a story about B&B Micro Manufacturing in Adams, which is ending great success building tiny homes.  Maybe this is the answer. https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-bb-micro-manufacturing-tiny-home-builders/

2. We have an ongoing discussion here about the little airport in Great Barrington that started receiving plaines in the mid-1920s and was officially established in 1931, before local zoning was implemented and is grandfathered into what has since become a residential neighborhood.  In our Then & Now series, we posted a fascinating series of photos showing the history of the airport. https://theberkshireedge.com/then-now-the-great-barrington-airport/ But the airport is at the center of controversy.Three of its neighbors are angry about the airport and keep trying to curtail its operations.  Last week, the Great Barrington zoning board unanimously denied an appeal from the angry neighbors, accusing the neighbors of harassment.. We have had interesting letters and comments, many speaking fondly about the airport.  https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-zoning-board-unanimously-denies-appeal-from-angry-airport-neighbors/

3. Our weather guru Nick Diller reported that March was warmer and drier than usual, and that thee were lots of bears roaming around after their winter snooze.https://theberkshireedge.com/nick-diller-march-was-warm-bears-were-abundant/ 4. And on a lighter note, we have been running a series on Sundays called “Recollections of a Pittsfield Kid” which will appeal to anyone “of a certain age”.  In this latest installement from last Sunday, the author talks about his adventures as a newspaper delivery boy for the Berkshire Eagle.  https://theberkshireedge.com/recollections-of-a-pittsfield-kid-all-the-news-thats-fit-to-sprint/