Letter: Williamstown Garden Club Seeks Members

To the Editor:

Have you enjoyed the seasonal, colorful flowers around Williamstown? Did you know these efforts are the work of Williamstown Garden Club (WGC) members?

These include the containers at town intersections, the post office, Town Hall, Milne Library, Field Park, and the bike path.

Are you eager to see the green boxes with cascading flowers return to Walley bridge, also the work of the WGC? The club needs to increase its membership to assist with these efforts, which are enjoyed by so many — both residents and those just passing through town.

Membership is open to all and offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the community, as well as enjoy educational programs and garden tours. Learn more at williamstowngardenclub.org.

Kathy McKnight
Williamstown, Mass. 

McKnight is chair of the club's membership committee

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.