Letter: Cannabis Cultivation in Williamstown

To the Editor:

Williamstown voters will soon be making decisions about cannabis cultivation. After a year of consultation, public forum, debate, site visits and research the Planning Board is proposing changes to the current bylaws that would restrict where and how cannabis can be grown.

The proposed bylaw:

- increases the setback from property lines to 150 ft; today it is 25 ft.
- stipulates a minimum setback from a neighboring residence of 500 ft; today there is none.
- requires fencing to be screened with vegetation or hidden behind topography; today no screening is required.
- requires that all activity (such as tool sheds and storage barns) associated with growing cannabis be inside the fence, and the fence be at least 150 ft from the property line; today no requirement exists.
- disallows large indoor warehouse facilities to be constructed in rural Williamstown; today they could be built.
- requires 25 percent on-site renewable energy and a waste management plan for resource intensive indoor facilities; today no such requirements exist.

The proposal does not change the size of the allowable canopy for a licensee (2.3 acres), but it does add a restriction that a landowner can’t exceed that maximum by leasing to multiple licensees on a single property.
In short, the proposed bylaw doesn’t lessen current restrictions. It increases protections to residences yet provides sufficient economic opportunity for farmers. It's a balanced approach.
If you would like to support farmers and protect farmland, but you want to minimize the potential impacts of cannabis cultivation, vote yes.

For more information, visit the Town of Williamstown website or contact the Planning Board at planningboard@williamstownma.gov.

Stephanie Boyd
Boyd is chair of the Williamstown Planning Board.

Friday Front Porch: A Private Escape with Exceptional Views

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:13PM / Friday, August 07, 2026

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – Are you looking for modern luxury with amazing views? Then this is the home for you.

 

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 1341 Green River Rd.

 

This four bed and two and a half bathroom house is 3,188 square feet on 4.5 acres with a detached guest house.

 

 

The house features hardwood flooring with radiant heat, a wood burning fireplace in the dining room that has access to a private patio. The kitchen has granite countertops, a butler's pantry, and comes with modern appliances. The living room features vaulted ceilings and has a floor to ceiling fieldstone propane fired fireplace and access to a large inviting deck. 

 

 

A hexagonal barn was completely renovated into a delightful guest house with a private deck, kitchen, bathroom, first floor bedroom and additional sleeping area on the second floor.