News Flash
Town of Great Barrington News Flash
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Public Service Announcement – Town Hall Elevator Out of Order Until Further Notice
Public Service Announcement – Town Hall Elevator Out of Order Until Further Notice
The elevator at Town Hall is currently out of service until further notice.
Residents who plan to attend meetings or conduct business in the building are encouraged to visit the Town’s website for the most up-to-date information on meeting location changes and/or cancellations. The Town will notify the public as soon as the elevator is back in service.
We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience.
Thank you
Liz Hartsgrove, Town Manager
Town of Great Barrington, MA
334 Main Street
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Inspired by Community, Guided by Purpose.
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Department of Public Works Information on Winter/Snow Removal Operations
Winter storm reminder: What to expect on our roads
During winter storms, the Great Barrington Department of Public Works works hard to restore roads to passable conditions as promptly and efficiently as possible. Your cooperation, patience, and understanding are essential to helping us do this safely and effectively.
Each winter storm is different. Factors such as:
Storm type: snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a mix
Intensity and duration: light and steady vs. heavy and fast
Timing: overnight, rush hour, or during school and business hours
All influence how and when we treat and clear roads and sidewalks.
Our goal is to maintain adequate traction for pedestrians and for vehicles that are properly equipped for winter driving. This means:
Bare, dry pavement should not be expected after every storm.
Some snow and ice will remain on streets and sidewalks, especially during and immediately after a storm.
Please drive slowly, allow extra time for travel, and give plow trucks and equipment plenty of space to work. Your patience helps keep everyone in Great Barrington safer through the winter.
Please note that several major roadways in our area are maintained by the Massachusetts Highway Department, not the Town of Great Barrington. These include:
Route 7 (south from National Grid)
Route 7 (north from the Brown Bridge)
Routes 7A and 23
Portions of Route 183
During winter storms, questions or concerns about these state‑maintained roads should be directed to the appropriate Massachusetts Highway Department (857) 368-1000
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Please keep sidewalks clear in the event of pending snow
The Town of Great Barrington Department of Public Works is asking businesses and residents to help maintain safe, passable sidewalks during and after snow and winter weather events.
In the event of impending snow or winter weather, please remove all items from the sidewalk before the storm, including:
Signs and sandwich boards
Outdoor furniture
Planters and displays
Any other movable items
These items hinder clean-up and make it difficult for sidewalk plow operators to maneuver safely, which can result in property damage or injury.
The DPW will remove items left on the sidewalk and store them at the Highway Garage for pickup.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
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Winter Overnight Parking Ban November 15- March 31, 2025
The Town’s winter ban on overnight street parking began to take effect Tuesday, November 15. To keep our streets safe and clear for snow removal, no street parking is allowed between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. The ban will remain in place until March 31.
🚨 Important to Know
Vehicles parked on the street during restricted hours may be ticketed.
Cars blocking Department of Public Works snow plows will be towed at the owner’s expense.
✅ Where You Can Park Overnight
Overnight parking is permitted in several designated lots:
Town Hall lot
Top of Railroad Street lot
Castle Street lot
Mason Library lot
Housatonic Community Center Please park close to the building to permit passage by snow plows, with a 24-hour limit.
⚠️ Please note: All lots are for overnight parking only. 24-hour parking is not permitted. Vehicles parked in the lots after 6:00 a.m. are subject to ticketing and towing.
🌟 Thank You
Your cooperation helps keep our roads safe and accessible all winter long. We appreciate your support in making snow removal efficient for everyone in town!
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2026 Dog Licenses Now Available
2026 DOG LICENSES NOW AVAILABLE FLYER (PDF)
The Town of Great Barrington is reminding dog owners that 2026 dog license renewal season is officially underway, and the Town Clerk’s Office is ready to help make the process quick and easy.
All dogs six months of age and older are required to be licensed each year. Licensing your dog helps ensure the safety of pets and residents alike, supports animal control services, and assists in quickly reuniting lost dogs with their owners.
EASY WAYS TO RENEW
Residents may renew their dog licenses:
- In person at Town Hall
- By mail
- Online through the Town’s website at www.townofgbma.gov
REMINDERS
- When renewing, valid proof of current rabies vaccination must be provided.
- All dog licenses must be renewed by March 31, 2026 to avoid late fees or fines.
Residents are encouraged not to wait until the last minute. Renewing early helps ensure uninterrupted licensing and avoids unnecessary penalties.
For more information on dog licensing requirements, fees, and online renewal options, please visit the Town’s website or contact the Town Clerk’s Office directly.
Joshua Risen, Town Clerk
Inspired by Community, Guided by Purpose.
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Open burning season begins in Massachusetts and in Great Barrington,Thursday, January 15th - May 1st
🔥 Open Burning Season in Great Barrington
January 15 – May 1
Open burning season will be soon be underway in Massachusetts. In Great Barrington, burning is allowed from January 15 to May 1, with important limitations. The Great Barrington Fire Department may deny permits or add restrictions if weather or ground conditions make burning unsafe.
📝 How to Get a Burning Permit
Residents must apply online for a burning permit between 8:00 AM and Noon on the day they plan to burn.
Fires may be started: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fires must be fully extinguished by 4:00 PM
State law reminder: Under M.G.L. Chapter 48, Section 13, fires cannot be started after noon.
👉 APPLY FOR YOUR BURNING PERMIT HERE (online application)
Important: Leaving a voicemail does not grant permission to burn. You must apply online or speak directly with Fire Department staff. Contact the Great Barrington Fire Department: (413) 528‑0788
✔️ What You May Burn
Brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris(not from commercial or industrial land clearing)
Agricultural materials such as fruit tree and bush prunings, raspberry stalks, and infected beehives
Trees and brush from agricultural land clearing
Fungus‑infected elm wood when no other disposal method is available
❌ What You May Not Burn
Leaves
Brush, trees, cane, or driftwood from commercial/industrial land clearing
Grass, hay, leaves, stumps, or tires
Construction or demolition debris
Household trash
🔒 Safety Requirements
For detailed safety guidance, click safety tips.
Key reminders:
An adult (18+) must attend the fire at all times.
Keep water, tools, or other extinguishing materials close by.
Burn small amounts at a time.
Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other accelerants.
If winds increase or weather changes, put the fire out immediately—most out‑of‑control fires happen during sudden wind shifts.
If a fire becomes unmanageable, call 9‑1‑1 right away.
📞 Need Help?
If you cannot complete the online permit application or have questions, contact the Great Barrington Fire Department: (413) 528‑0788
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Housatonic Water Works (HWW) Reimbursement Program Now up to $1,500 per household
Housatonic Water Works (HWW) Reimbursement Program
Now up to $1,500 per household
The Town of Great Barrington has established the Housatonic Water Works (HWW) Reimbursement Program to help eligible households offset costs related to ongoing water quality concerns. Funded through a state earmark awarded in 2024, the program can reimburse residents for three types of expenses:
Purchase of bottled water
Laundry-related expenses (such as laundromat costs)
Purchase of filters or other filtration-related products
Eligible HWW customers may now receive up to $1,500 per household, and residents who received reimbursement previously may apply for additional funds up to the new total maximum.
How to Apply
You may submit your reimbursement request in one of two ways:
Online Form (preferred):Complete the HWW Reimbursement Online Form and upload your receipts.
Downloadable PDF Form:Download the HWW Reimbursement Application (PDF), print and complete it, then return it with copies of your receipts to the Town Manager’s Office at Town Hall.
Please be sure to include clear, itemized receipts showing dates, vendors, and eligible purchases.
Need Help or Have Questions?
The Town Manager’s Office can assist residents with questions, eligibility, and completing the form:
Phone: (413) 528-1619 press 2 then 9
Email: sbtm@townofgbma.gov
In person: Town Manager's Office, Town Hall, 334 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Staff can help you understand eligible expenses, assemble documentation, and submit your application, whether online or on paper.
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Great Barrington Warming Centers
As temperatures drop, please remember that several Town buildings are open as warming centers for anyone who needs a safe place to warm up. Stop by Town Hall, our libraries, Berkshire South Community Center, or the Claire Teague Senior Center during posted hours.
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Sand/Salt Mixture Available for Residents
Sand & Salt Mixture — Available for Residents (NOT Commercial)
Good news — a sand/salt mixture is available for Great Barrington/Housatonic residents to help with icy walkways and driveways. Please read the short guidelines below before you stop by.
Locations (three convenient spots)
Courthouse — at the intersection of Gilmore Ave & Anderson St, Great Barrington
Meadow Street, Housatonic — near the basketball court
Transfer Station — across from Monument Mountain Regional High School
Transfer Station Hours
Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Rules & Reminders
For residential use only — no commercial vehicles or contractors.
Please limit quantities to two (2) 5-gallon size containers per household.
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TOWN MAKES PURCHASE OFFER TO HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS
The Town of Great Barrington has extended a formal offer to the current owners of Housatonic Water Works (HWW) to purchase the Company, as the parties continue negotiations regarding a potential acquisition of the privately-owned water utility. This step marks a significant advancement in the Town’s ongoing efforts to address long-standing water quality concerns and build a sustainable, reliable system for residents in the Housatonic village.
While the Town acknowledges that any acquisition is a significant decision with financial, operational, and long-term implications, the offer opens the door for Town officials and HWW ownership to explore terms, conditions, and the feasibility of transitioning the system to municipal control.
“Residents have been clear that they expect a sustainable, community-first solution to the ongoing challenges with Housatonic Water Works,” said Select Board Chairman Stephen Bannon. “Continuing negotiations reflects the town’s commitment to securing a reliable, safe, and publicly accountable water future for the Housatonic neighborhood and the entire community.”
Throughout this process, transparency and public involvement will remain central; and, proposed acquisition would require future public review and formal action by the Select Board, along with Town Meeting approval as required by law.
When possible, updates will be shared through Select Board meetings, and official communications will be posted on the Town website at www.townofgbma.gov/371/Housatonic-Water-Works-Information-Resou
Liz Hartsgrove, Town Manager
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Winter Overnight Parking Ban November 15- March 31, 2025
The Town’s winter ban on overnight street parking began to take effect Tuesday, November 15. To keep our streets safe and clear for snow removal, no street parking is allowed between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. The ban will remain in place until March 31.
🚨 Important to Know
Vehicles parked on the street during restricted hours may be ticketed.
Cars blocking Department of Public Works snow plows will be towed at the owner’s expense.
✅ Where You Can Park Overnight
Overnight parking is permitted in several designated lots:
Town Hall lot
Top of Railroad Street lot
Castle Street lot
Mason Library lot
Housatonic Community Center Please park close to the building to permit passage by snow plows, with a 24-hour limit.
⚠️ Please note: All lots are for overnight parking only. 24-hour parking is not permitted. Vehicles parked in the lots after 6:00 a.m. are subject to ticketing and towing.
🌟 Thank You
Your cooperation helps keep our roads safe and accessible all winter long. We appreciate your support in making snow removal efficient for everyone in town!
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Assistant Assessor Carol Strommer Named MAAO “Clerk of the Year” for the Second Time
The Town of Great Barrington is proud to announce that Assistant Assessor Carol Strommer has been honored with the Lucille Bayes Clerk of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO) Executive Board. This is the second time Strommer has received the award, having first earned the recognition in 2000.
Strommer began her career with the Town of Great Barrington in 1987 as a part-time employee in the Assessors’ Office. In 1992, she became a full-time member of the department, where she has since provided nearly four decades of dedicated service to the community.
“This award is a testament to Carol’s professionalism, expertise, and long-standing commitment to Great Barrington,” said Town Assessor Emily Schilling. “Her knowledge and dedication have set a standard of excellence for our Assessors’ Office and our town government.”
The Lucille Bayes Clerk of the Year Award recognizes clerks and administrative staff who demonstrate exceptional service, knowledge, and professionalism in their work with local Boards of Assessors. Receiving this honor twice is a rare distinction, underscoring Strommer’s remarkable contributions to both Great Barrington and the broader assessing community.
Strommer continues to serve the town with the same commitment and excellence that first earned her recognition more than 20 years ago.
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