Berkshire Daily: Sheffield History, Lee Proposal & Richmond Planning

Real estate & housing

A historic Sheffield home with rental income is featured by Maureen White Kirkby of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Barnbrook Realty. The listing presents an opportunity for a new owner to take stewardship of a piece of the town’s history.

The latest weekly real estate transaction roundup covers Berkshire County and neighboring Litchfield County, Connecticut, and Columbia County, New York—a regional view for readers following property activity across state lines.

• Extraordinary historic home with rental income · The Berkshire Edge
• Berkshire region real estate sales – October 16, 2026 · The Berkshire Edge

New & growing businesses

Lee’s Planning Board is slated to discuss an informal proposal for a climate-controlled self-storage facility at its October 19 meeting. The proposal is up for discussion, not an announced approval.

U.S. Rep. Neal announced a $735,000 federal earmark for the Berkshire Innovation Center’s Cybersecurity Learning and Testing Facility. The funding will help establish a hub for monitoring and responding to cyber threats affecting manufacturers, including defense suppliers.

• Lee to consider informal proposal for climate-controlled self-storage facility · The Berkshire Edge
• U.S. Rep. Neal announces $735,000 earmark for the Berkshire Innovation Center’s Cybersecurity Learning and Testing Facility · The Berkshire Edge

Local events

Looking for local outings? The October 16 Bits & Bytes roundup includes announcements from Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, Naumkeag, The Foundry, Ventfort Hall, and Hancock Shaker Village. Check the individual announcements for event details before making plans.

LitNet is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Executive Director Leigh Doherty credited the Berkshire County community’s generosity, noting that the organization receives no federal or state funding.

• BITS & BYTES October 16, 2026: What’s happening in the Berkshires and beyond! · The Berkshire Edge
• LitNet celebrates 35th anniversary · The Berkshire Edge

Notable local news

Richmond’s Board of Selectmen discussed forming a committee to address long-term town concerns at its October 15 meeting. The proposed committee would develop a master plan grounded in a realistic view of Richmond and residents’ hopes for its future.

In Housatonic, a historical retrospective revisits Monument Mills, which closed abruptly and permanently in October 1956 after a gradual decline. This month marks 70 years since the closure that shocked local residents.

• ‘What do we want to be in the end?’ Richmond Board of Selectmen discusses the formation of a committee to address long-term town concerns at Oct. 15 meeting · The Berkshire Edge
• THEN & NOW: Monument Mills in Housatonic · The Berkshire Edge

Relocation tip from the team

Before moving to or from the Berkshires, build your home search around everyday routines as well as the property itself. Map out work, errands, healthcare, and favorite activities, then visit prospective neighborhoods with those priorities in mind. Share your must-haves with the Real Harmony & Associates team so they can guide your search.