Berkshire Daily: Housing Grants, Lee Proposals & Fall Food Events

Real estate & housing

Gov. Healey announced Seasonal Communities Grant Program awards for Berkshire County towns. The broader program supports housing and infrastructure projects from the Berkshires to Cape Cod and the Islands, helping advance nearly 600 potential homes across those regions.

In Lee, the Planning Board considered two development proposals: a Fairfield Marriott special permit request, withdrawn subject to refiling, and a proposed self-storage facility. The hotel request’s withdrawal leaves open the possibility of a revised filing.

• Gov. Healey announces Berkshire County towns to receive Seasonal Communities Grant Program awards · The Berkshire Edge
• Lee Planning Board juggles two major proposals: Fairfield Marriott special permit request withdrawn subject to refiling, self-storage facility pitch · The Berkshire Edge

New & growing businesses

Nearby in Ghent, N.Y., a longtime tavern is back in use as a new farm-to-tavern restaurant. Its menu takes its direction from the working organic farm surrounding it—a food-business opening with a distinctly agricultural connection.

• BERKSHIRE FOOD NEWS: New farm-to-tavern restaurant opens in Ghent, N.Y. · The Berkshire Edge

Local events

Cricket Creek Farm’s fall picnic welcomes friends, neighbors, and the wider Berkshire community to celebrate the season. Today’s food-event roundup also includes announcements from Talbott & Arding, The Inn at Stockbridge, and the Berkshire LGBTQ Business & Professional Networking Group.

Cantilena Chamber Choir opens its season Sunday, October 25, at Trinity Church with Bernstein, Copland, and more. The program explores American sacred music, moving from early hymns to the richer harmonic language of twentieth-century compositions.

• BERKSHIRE FOOD EVENTS: A Fall Picnic at Cricket Creek Farm Brings the Community Together to Celebrate the Season · The Berkshire Edge
• BERKSHIRE FOOD EVENTS October 21, 2026: Culinary happenings in the Berkshires and beyond! · The Berkshire Edge
• PREVIEW: Cantilena Chamber Choir opens season with Bernstein, Copland, and more on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Trinity Church · The Berkshire Edge

Notable local news

Great Barrington residents approved funding at Special Town Meeting for Cook’s Garage remediation, Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, and ambulances for Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad. The $20.7 million sewer project passed 148 to 9; residents also approved $47,838 toward two new ambulances over the Selectboard’s objection.

For readers who enjoy following the local food scene, The Berkshire Edge has introduced FOOD Wednesday, a weekly collection focused on food and cooking.

• Great Barrington residents approve funds for Cook’s Garage remediation, Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, and ambulances for Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad at Special Town Meeting · The Berkshire Edge
• Welcome to FOOD Wednesday! · The Berkshire Edge

Relocation tip from the team

Moving to or from the Berkshires? Build your home-search checklist around everyday routines as well as the property itself. Visit prospective neighborhoods during your usual travel times, confirm internet service at the specific address, and ask about seasonal maintenance before committing.