Williamstown First Congregation Looks at Carbon Divestment

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — First Congregational Church will consider the issues of institutional and private divestment from carbon-based companies at events on Sunday, Feb. 22, and Sunday, March 1.

Divestment is one of a number of responses to a deep concern about global climate change intensified by human activities that release carbon into the atmosphere.

At the 10 a.m. service on Feb. 22, the Rev. James Antal, president of the United Church of Christ Massachusetts Conference, will preach on "Moving Toward a Lasting Foundation Through Divestment." The UCC has divested nationally and in the state.

Following the service and a period for coffee, at 11:20 in Fellowship Hall, state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing will join Antal in a panel discussion "Divest: Dispatch from the Faith Community and the Legislative Frontlines." Downing is sponsor of a bill to divest the state's pension funds.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.