Letter: Sometimes It Is Best Not to Tinker With Tradition

To the Editor:

Williamstown has a long-standing tradition of displaying American flags on utility poles along the town green (Route 2) from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. At the last Williamstown Select Board meeting, there was a 4-1 vote to replace every fourth American Flag with a Progress Pride (rainbow) flag during the month of June.

Was there any indication in the Select Board meeting packet or the posted agenda that this potentially controversial topic would be discussed, even voted upon? The Open Meeting Law requires that the public have timely notice of anticipated topics and ample opportunity to comment. If not appropriately posted, only "emergencies" are permitted and must be defended as such if requested. Was this an emergency? Were the legal obligations of the Open Meeting Law met?

Furthermore, Statements of American Flag Protocol specify that the American flag is to be the prime focus of any flag display. There are few exceptions to this rule, and they are clearly stated in the protocol. Does the current Select Board plan pass protocol muster?

Memorial Day is a national holiday, with most cities and towns crafting their own unique traditions and celebrations. Its primary intended meaning was and is to honor those who perished in service to our country. It has taken on the meaning of offering comfort and support to family and friends who have lost someone to death. It is usually celebrated in a respectful — almost religious — manner. Will the Select Board's decision to replace our American flag with a flag underscoring any other cause diminish the intended solemnity of Memorial Day?

Donna Wied
Williamstown, Mass.

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.