The Racial History of WilliamstownKatie Orringer and Morgan DaukClients: Andrew Art and Bilal AnsariImages: “Williamstown (CDP), Massachusetts.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, August 17, 2020. https:/ / en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Williamstown_(CDP),_Massachusetts. Accessed Fall 2020.

“Williams College: America's New Best College: College Usa, College Visit , College Campus.” P interest. Accessed December 6, 2020. https:/ / www.pinterest.com/ pin/ 17592254764465502/ . Accessed Fall 2020.

Project Background & Clients❖ Project Background

➢ Environmental Concentrators ➢ Environmental Planning Workshop (ENVI 302) ➢ Professor Sarah Gardner

❖ Clients➢ Bilal Ansari: DIRE Committee member,

Assistant Vice President for Campus Engagement in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity at Williams College

➢ Andrew Art: DIRE Committee member

Image from “The Center for Environmental Studies.” Center for Environmental Studies, November 30, 2020. https://ces.williams. edu/. Accessed Fall 2020.

Scope of Project❖ Part 1: Racial History of Williamstown

➢ Blackinton (1899-1901)➢ White Oaks (1763-1930)➢ (former) Colonial Village (1930 -1960)➢ Spruces (1950-Present)

❖ Part 2: Current Zoning in Williamstown❖ Part 3: Recommendations for future

planning

Images: “Dr. Bilal Ansari's Efforts Lead to Action on Racist Covenant.” Hartford Seminary, July 21, 2020. https://www.hartsem .edu/2020/07/dr -bilal -ansaris-efforts-lead-to-action-on-racist-covenant/. Accessed Fall 2020. Dravis, Stephen. “Williamstown's Diversity Committee Holds First Meeting.” Williamstown's Diversity Committee Holds First Mee ting / Williamstown.com, July 28, 2020. http://williamstown.com/story/62720/Williamstown -s-Diversity -Committee-Holds-First -Meeting.html. Accessed Fall 2020.

➢ Uncover the history of racial injustice and segregation in Williamstown through specific housing practices, policies, and decisions

➢ Uncover the discrimination that people of color have been subjected to over the course of the town's history

➢ Inspire plans for the future that will promote inclusivity and equal access to the town

Project Purpose

Image: “Williamstown, Massachusetts.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, November 23, 2020. https:/ / en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Williamstown,_Massachusetts. Accessed Fall 2020.

Recognition of Privilege “As a foreword to our report, we recognize our own white privilege in a society that is plagued with prejudice against people of color. In researching and writing about the history of Williamstown, we understand that we have not been subject to the same biases that have impacted minority groups for hundreds of years. While we cannot fully understand the extent to which racism has affected individuals and families from our own experience, we hope that our efforts to describe the events of the past pay tribute to the pain and suffering that many people of color have had to endure.”

Dauk, Morgan and Orringer, Kate. “Racial and Socioeconomic Exclusion in the Built Environment in Williamstown.” Environmental Studies 302, Williams College, December, 2020.

Key Questions

➢ Do current zoning & town planning structures separate residents based on race and socioeconomic status?

➢ How can we make changes to the Williamstown zoning & planning structure to promote diversity and inclusion?

➢ Is the low diversity in Williamstown a result of systemic racism as displayed in the built environment, due to explicit displays of discrimination, or both?Image from “Williamstown, MA Event

Space & Hotel Conference Rooms.” Northstar Meetings Group. Northstar Meetings Group. Accessed December 6, 2020. https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/Meeting-Event-Venues/Williamstown -MA/Hotels. Accessed Fall 2020.

History

❖ Four Neighborhoods ➢ White Oaks➢ Spruces➢ Blackinton➢ (former) Colonial Village

❖ Racial history❖ Rise of the KKK

Research Methods

➢ Neighborhoods highlighted by clients as historical case studies of prejudice/injustice

➢ Interviews (personal accounts)■ Barbara Oneil, Carol Zingareli, Cathy

Yamamoto, Cheryl Shanks, Dennis P owell, F rances J ones-Sneed, J amie Art, Matthew Sheehy, Kashia P ieprzak, Sarah Currie, & Susan P uddester

➢ The North Adams Transcript and Berkshire Eagle

➢ Williams College Special Collections

➢ Williamstown Historical Museum

Zoning and Planning Scoping

❖ Interviews➢ Andrew Groff, Chris Winters, Stephanie

Boyd, Lauren Shuffleton-Drago, Elton Ogden, Daniel Gura, Susan Puddester, Tom Sheldon■ Planning board■ Affordable housing experts■ Town planners

❖ Ryan Report❖ Chapter 70 zoning code

Image: Monarch Realty Inc. “W illiamstown, MA Real Estate: MLS # 220419 Experienced! Educated! Established!” Monarch Realty Inc. Accessed December 6, 2020. https:/ / monarchrealty-ma.com/ listing/ 220419/ 1117-hancock-williamstown-ma-01267/ .

Introduction: General History● Northern Berkshire cotton mills prospered at the hands of Southern slavery

○ Arnold Brothers in North Adams 1827 - eventually became Mass MoCA○ Williams Plunkett in Lenox

● Williams College ties to the abolition and colonization movements○ WASS (anti -slavery society) in the 1820s○ President Griffin, Dewey and Ebenezer Kellogg supported the colonization

movement ● Congressional church pastor donated to ACS (Reverend Gridley)● Ephraim Williams Jr. owned slaves in mid-1700s

○ Moni, London, Cloe - Prince, RomanooLi, Darin. “The Agitators: Williams College and the Antislavery Movement, 1820-1830,” 2018Seider, Maynard. “Maynard Seider: Slavery and the North Berkshires,” November 3, 2020. Williams, Ephramin. “Bill of Sale for Slave Named Prince.” Accessed December 4, 2020. http://www.americancenturies.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=7799.Charles, John. “Bill of Sale for Slave J. Romanoo.” Digital Collection -Bill of sale for slave J. Romanoo. Accessed December 4, 2020. http://americancenturies.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=7800.

❖ Infrastructure influences inclusion❖ Resource distribution differences

between the town and college ❖ Segregation according to socioeconomic

status❖ Intentions versus biased outcome ❖ Beautification - "changing the character

of the neighborhood"

Themes

White Oaks

Colonial Village

Spruces Blackinton

Image made using ArcGIS, Fall, 2020.

White Oaks

❖ Dates: 1763-1930 ❖ Interviews

➢ Sarah Currie, Cheryl Shanks, Barbara Oneil

❖ History ➢ Origin➢ Isolation, refuge

❖ Seen as a town in need of pity and reform

Eckerson, W. W., “A History of White Oaks Neighborhood in Williamstown, Massachusetts.” Williams College, 1981. Williams College Archives and Special Collections. Image also from this source.

White Oaks❖ Civic challenges

➢ Physical isolation ➢ Racial and

socioeconomic bias❖ Action taken

➢ Building of White Oaks Chapel

➢ Ties to the College❖ Consequences

➢ Encouraged need for reform

➢ Became haven for white supremacy group

Eckerson, W. W., “A History of White Oaks Neighborhood in Williamstown, Massachusetts.” Williams College, 1981. Williams College Archives and Special Collections. Image also from this source.“Still Another Cross is Burned: Klan Meeting Reported to Have Been Held in White Oaks Church.” The North Adams Transcript, Newspapers.com by ancestry, March 18, 1926, Williams College Archives.“1889 - Chapters 358, 359.” Acts and Resolves Passed by the General Court of Massachusetts. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Wright & Potter Printing Co., State Printers, 1889, pp. 1051.

The Rise of the KKK in the Berkshires❖ Dates: 1910-1930❖ KKK active in the Berkshires

➢ Cross burnings, initiation meetings➢ Birth of a Nation

■ Idealized KKK

Seven, J ohn. “The Burning Cross.” North Adams Panopticon: Stories Springing from Coca-Cola Ledge, 2020, pp. 10, Williams College Archives. Image from “Report Klan Has Large Initiation: Over 100 New Members J oin Organization at Indoor Meeting.” The North Adams Transcript, April 7, 1927. Image from “Still Another Cross is Burned: Klan Meeting Reported to Have Been Held in White Oaks Church.” The North Adams Transcript, March 18, 1926.

Blackinton❖ Dates: 1899-1901 ❖ Blackinton Annexation story

➢ Wanted fire district inclusion for water➢ Wanted sidewalks➢ Wanted street lights

❖ Civic challenges➢ lack of infrastructure and Williamstown not

providing fundings (did not have the resources)❖ Public action taken

➢ Blackinton moved into North Adams' town and control

❖ Consequences➢ loss of mill working community in town & loss

of land

Miller, Mike. "Blackinton Annexation" February, 2012."Blackinton People Sore." North Adams Transcript, June, 2nd, 1899."Want a Fair Bill." North Adams Transcript, February, 5th, 1900. via Miller, Mike. "Blackinton Annexation" February, 2012."Terms Fixed: City is to Pay $3000 for Annexation of Blackinton." North Adams Transcript, April 3rd, 1900. via Miller, Mike. "Blackinton Annexation" February, 2012.

Moving of Griffin Hall ❖ Dates: 1902-1904❖ Griffin Hall

➢ Williams College alumni paid for it to be moved to line up aesthetically with other buildings

➢ Named after colonization supporter❖ Monetary differences between

projects➢ Griffin Hall: $25,000 +➢ Blackinton: $3000 to Williamstown

■ $264 for hydrants■ $400 for lighting■ Worth $200,000 ($430 in

taxes a year)■ Without sidewalk & pipes

❖ Theme: Differences in resources of the town and college

■ White Oaks church another college fundraiser

"New Chapel Site: Williams College's New Costly Chapel Will Supplant Old One." North Adams Transcript, August, 20th, 1902.Trustees' Meeting." North Adams Transcript, June, 21st, 1904."Blackinton People Sore." North Adams Transcript, June, 2nd, 1899."Terms Fixed: City is to Pay $3000 for Annexation of Blackinton," North Adams Transcript, April, 3rd, 1900.Olmsted Archive, Proposed Relocation of Chapel and Griffin Hall at Williams College, Flickr, 2016.

(former)Colonial Village❖ Dates: 1930-1960s (through present)❖ Interviews

➢ Kashia Pieprzak❖ College connection

➢ people of color not allowed to live there (including college workers)

❖ Civic challenge➢ increased demand for modern, affordable

homes in Williamstown❖ Private action taken

➢ Harry Thurber created neighborhood➢ Racially restrictive covenant

❖ Consequences➢ discrimination, segregation, deeds still

exist today so ongoing damagePieprzak, Kashia. Interview, Oct. 15, 2020."May Create Village of 46 Homes in Williamstown." North Adams Transcript, November 4th, 1938."Protective Covenants and Restrictions." William Harry Thurber, 1939.Written Testimony in Support of H4944 via Kashia PieprzakImage: Dravis, Stephen. “On the Books, Unenforceable: Restrictive Covenant an Echo of Williamstown's Racist Legacy.” iBerkshires.com | YOUR COMMUNITY -YOUR NEWS. July 13th, 2020. Accessed Fall 2020. https://www.iberkshires.com/story/62627/On-the-Books-Unenforceable-Restrictive-Covenant-an-Echo-of-Williamstown-s-Racist-Legacy.html.

(former) Colonial Village ❖ Actions Taken

➢ Supreme Court cases■ Shelley v. Kramer 1948 ■ Fair Housing Act in 1968

➢ H4944 bill in the Massachusetts legislature

➢ Representative J ohn Barrett and Senator Adams Hinds

➢ Washington legislation inspiration: SBH 2514

➢ Bill to remove the deed

The picture can't be displayed.

W elsh, Nancy H. “Racially Restrictive Covenants in the United States: A Call to Action,” n.d. https:/ / deepblue.lib.umich.edu/ bitstream/ handle/ 2027.42/ 143831/ A_12%20Racially%20Restrictive%20Covenants%20in%20the%20US.pdf. W ritten Testimony in Support of H4944 via Kashia P ieprzak.State of W ashington SHB 2514, 2018. http:/ / lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/ biennium/ 2017-18/ P df/ Bills/ House%20P assed%20Legislature/ 2514-S.PL.pdfImage: “Trump Administration, W eek 183: F riday, 17 J uly – Thursday, 23 J uly 2020 (Days 1,274-1,280),” 0AD. http:/ / muckrakerfarm.com/ 2020/ 07/ trump-administration-week-183-friday-17-july-thursday-23-july-2020-days-1274-1280/ . Accessed F all 2020.

H 4944 MA Bill

"Upon petition to the land court department of the trial court, a person holding an interest in real property or a party in interest affected by a void provision in this section, may request the land court to expunge a provision made void by this section. The land court may order the removal of such language by order, to either the recorder of the land court department or an assistant recorder of the land court, to strike the void provision from the appropriate record or instrument."

"An Act Providing For the Expungement of Racially Restrictive Covenants in Recorded Real Property Documents," Bill H.4944, 191st (Current), 2020. Accessed December 6, 2020. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4944/BillHistory.

Image: “Take a Tour of the Massachusetts State House.” Boston University, July 16, 2018. http://www.bu.edu/articles/2018/tour -the-massachusetts-state-house/. Accesseed Fall 2020.

The Spruces❖ Dates: 1954 - Present❖ Interviews

➢ Lauren Shuffleton-Drago, Sarah Currie, Carol Zingareli, Susan Puddester, Cathy Yamamoto, Cheryl Shanks

❖ History ➢ Albert Bachand➢ 100-year floodplain➢ Flood prevention

■ Bachand dredged, straightened, and widened the Hoosic River in 1955

■ Reimbursement denied, proposal rejected

McGuire, Phyllis. “Founder Envisioned Spruces Park as Thriving Community.” IBerkshires.com | YOUR COMMUNITY - YOUR NEWS, 3 J une 2012, 12:56PM, www.iberkshires.com/ story/ 41420/ F ounder-Envisioned-Spruces-Park-as-Thriving-Community.html. Accessed Fall 2020.Demers, Phil. “Williamstown Applies for $6.25M Grant for Spruces Relocation.” Bennington Banner, North Adams Transcript, 16 Nov. 2012, www.benningtonbanner.com/ local-news/ williamstown-applies-for-6-25m-grant-for-spruces-relocation/ article_1fa03445-e445-553d-910d-9a4352fd2199.html. Accessed Fall 2020.Westerdahl, Carl. “The Spruces: Al Bachand’s Model American Mobile Home Park.” Williamstown Historical Museum, April 21, 2012, Williams College Archives, pp. 10-11.Image from nka. “The Spruces.” Edited by Dataedge et al., Atlas Obscura, Atlas Obscura, 29 J uly 2019, www.atlasobscura.com/ places/ the-spruces. Accessed Fall 2020.

The Spruces

❖ Civic challenge➢ Tragedy of Hurricane Irene➢ Displacement, injustice, trauma

❖ Actions taken➢ FEMA➢ Speed of response

❖ Consequences➢ Displacement➢ Decrease in low cost housing options ➢ Williams College role with Highland

Woods was positive McKeever, Andy. “Williamstown Rules Spruces 'Uninhabitable'.” IBerkshires.com | YOUR COMMUNITY - YOUR NEWS, 29 Aug. 2011, 2:26PM , www.iberkshires.com/story/39300/Williamstown -Rules-Spruces-Uninhabitable-.html. Accessed Fall 2020. Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness. “North Adams Community Resilience Building WorkshopSummary of Findings.” North Adams, pp. 11. https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2019/07/11/North%20Adams%20Report.pdf. Access ed Fall 2020.Zingareli, Carol. Interview, October, 2020. Yamamoto, Cathy. Interview, November, 2020.Image from Sophia. “This Abandoned Neighborhood In Massachusetts Has Been Transformed Into A Gorgeous Park.” OnlyInYourState,Leaf Group Lifestyle, 18 Aug. 2019, www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/abandoned-neighborhood-park-ma/. Accessed Fall 2020.

Neighborhood Commonalities/Themes

❖ Infrastructure - Spruces, Blackinton❖ Segregation- Spruces, Blackinton, White Oaks

❖ Resources (college versus town)- Blackinton/Griffin Hall❖ Biased outcome- Spruces with FEMA, White Oaks with Albert Hopkins

❖ Beautification/Gentrification & "changing the character of the neighborhood":Spruces, White Oaks (Hopkins), Colonial Village

Current Zoning❖ Traditionally single -family home zoning

➢ (Chapter 70, Article 32: 2019): update on two family homes

■ by right in R2, R3, Southern Gateway districts

➢ Two-family home not largely utilized ➢ Allowed to split existing home into two

sections❖ Conservation land impedes new

development❖ ADUs (Chapter 70, Article 33: 2019)

➢ One per home, detached barn or garage➢ For conforming lots

❖ Max 3 families per lot❖ 1,862 single family homes

➢ 93 two family➢ 26 three family➢ 158 second homes

Dravis, Stephen. “Zoning Bylaw Likely to Engender Debate at W illiamstown Town Meeting,” May 20, 2019. https:/ / www.iberkshires.com/ story/ 59985/ Zoning-Bylaw-Likely-to-Engender-Debate-at-W illiamstown-Town-Meeting.html.

Image made using ArcGIS, Fall, 2020. Town Assessor, via email with Gardner, Dec. 10, 2020.

Current Affordable Housing ❖ Chapter 40B, 10% threshold

❖ Ongoing Projects➢ Photech site - Berkshire Project Housing

Development Corp. (41)❖ Completed Projects

➢ Meadowvale - Williamstown (30)➢ Stetson Road/Cole Avenue - Williamstown (8)➢ Spring Meadow - Williamstown (22)➢ Church Corner - Williamstown (8)➢ Highland Woods - Williamstown (40)➢ Proprietors Field - Williamstown (60)➢ Rental Units - Williamstown Housing Authority (74)➢ Cable Mills (13)"Fact Sheet on Chapter 40B: The State's Affordable Housing Zoning Law." Citizens' Housing and Planning Association, October, 2007. https://www.oakbluffsma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3807/40B-Fact-Sheet-from-2007#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20Chapter%2040B,their%20housing%20inventory%20as%20affordable.Ryan, John. "Housing Needs Assessment," April, 2013.

Image of P hotech site. Taken by Andrew Art on December 13, 2020.

Connection of History & Recommendations

❖ "Changing character of the neighborhood"➢ White Oaks: Hopkins' local mission➢ Colonial Village: racially restrictive covenant➢ Used today across the nation as a way to oppose housing

changes like the ones we will suggest❖ Latimore "City of Atlanta announces city planning initiative to

address housing affordability, racial equity" article➢ Mayor Bottoms: "“For too long, housing policies have

excluded those who are most vulnerable, particularly communities of color."

➢ "The proposed zoning policies in the analysis also target structures of racism and discrimination that have limited housing affordability and exacerbated inequality in Atlanta. The resulting policies seek to increase immediate and long-term affordability for Atlanta residents and directly address the structures of discrimination that still exist in Atlanta’s zoning and land-use policies."

➢ Our recommendations address zoning & affordable housing to fight discrimination

Latimore, Marshall A. “City of Atlanta Announces City Planning Initiative to Address Housing Affordability, Racial Equity: The Atlanta Voice.” The Atlanta Voice | Atlanta GA News, December 3, 2020. https://www.theatlantavoice.com/articles/city -of-atlanta-announces-housing-affordability -racial-equity-initiative/.

Recommendations for Town Planning

● Multiple family home zoning (general residence district)

● Incentivize ADUs through exemption setback & ownership by dividing land

● Mixed-use development & affordable housing unit at old town garage site

● Move to town council system of government (if town population reaches population threshold)

Image: “Black Pearl Barn: Rustic Farm Studio House Plans by Mark Stewart.” Modern House Plans by Mark Stewart, December 1, 20 20. https://markstewart.com/house -plans/country-house-plans/black-pearl-barn/. Accessed Fall 2020.

Problem & Decision Criterion

❖ Problem➢ Single-family home zoning = lack of integrated

housing ➢ Impedes racial and socioeconomic inclusion

❖ Decision Criteria❖ Proposals value inclusivity, diversity,

sustainability, and affordability (for town and owners/tenants).

❖ Factors Evaluated➢ Societal Impact➢ Environmental Impact➢ Economic Impact➢ Feasibility

Image: "Cable Mills," 16 Water St, Williamstown, MA 01267. https://www.apartments.com/cable-mills-williamstown-ma/qybvy4x/ Accessed Fall 2020

Proposal #1:Multi -family Zoning (general residence)via special permit, maximum of 4

Image from pxfuel. “White, Wooden, House, Driveway, Suburb, Family, Home, Suburban, Architecture, Residential Public Domain.” Pxfuel , www.pxfuel.com/en/free -photo-ezsbg. Accessed Fall 2020.

Justification

❖ 84% of homeowners in Williamstown lived in single-family homes

❖ April 2018 proposal by the Planning Board➢ Cole Ave, East campus

❖ Large subdivisions have not changed since 1993 ❖ Housing needs changing

➢ need smaller, more affordable options for younger generations

❖ Why not universal? ➢ Sewers in rural residences➢ Smart growth: do not permit sprawl➢ General residence is on town sewer

Ryan, John. "Housing Needs Assessment," April, 2013.Groff, Andrew. Interview, 14 October, 2020 and via email Dec, 8, 2020.Image: “City of Birmingham: Zoning Ordinance.” Zoning Ordinance - Document Viewer, 2020, online.encodeplus.com/regs/birmingham-mi/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=349. Accessed Fall 2020.

Proposal #1 Considerations❖ Societal Impact

➢ Inclusivity, diversity, unity➢ Lack of ownership

❖ Environmental Impact➢ Highest density living option: save land

from development➢ Utilize land already used for residential➢ No need to build apartments

❖ Economic Impact➢ Upzoning (most units possible)➢ No town cost➢ Allows residents to age in place➢ Expand tax base

❖ Feasibility ➢ Town resistance (April 2018)➢ Parking spaces consideration

Groff, Andrew. Interview, 14 October, 2020.Williamstown's Planning Board meeting on April 3rd and 10th, 2018.Image: Lewis, Michael R., and wikiHow. “How to Rezone Property.” WikiHow, WikiHow, 29 Mar. 2019, www.wikihow.com/Rezone-Property. Accessed Fall 2020.

Case Studies ❖ Homes are underutilized❖ Historically used to exclude based on race,

socioeconomic status❖ 2018, Minneapolis 2040 policy passed to eradicate

single-family zoning ➢ Increase housing supply, reduce racial and economic

segregation, limit carbon footprint ➢ Population outpacing housing, higher prices created

exclusion ➢ Single-family zoned areas were built on old

redlining maps➢ Critics argued there would be overbuilding ➢ Proponents argued home owners weren’t mandated

to split homes or property, and diversity in community is better anyway

Kahlenberg, Richard D. “How Minneapolis Ended Single-Family Zoning.” Report Rights & Justice, The Century Foundation, 24 Oct. 2019, tcf.org/content/report/minneapolis-ended-single-family-zoning/?session=1. Accessed December 2020. Image from Dalrymple, Jim. “Should More American Cities Do Away with Single-Family Zoning?” Property Portfolio, Inman, 18 June 2019, www.inman.com/2019/06/18/should-more-american-cities-do-away-with-single-family-zoning/. Accessed Fall 2020.

Proposal #2:ADU Setback Exemptions & Ownership (via special permits)

Image:“The Barn ~ A Unique ADU.” Fine Homebuilding, www.finehomebuilding.com/ readerproject/ 2015/ 07/ 09/ the-barn-a-unique-adu. Accessed Fall 2020.

Proposal #2 Considerations❖ Societal Impact

➢ Inclusivity, diversity but limited number of units

➢ Allows for ownership❖ Environmental Impact

➢ Building on existing land for residence➢ Higher density living: preserve farmland,

discourage sprawl➢ Utilize land already used for residential

❖ Economic Impact➢ Upzoning (more supply, prices lower)➢ Homeowners to make more money selling land

(age in place)➢ Setback exemption saves money bring ADU up

to code➢ Younger demographic boosts long term

economy: expand tax base➢ No town cost

❖ Feasibility ➢ Fear of ADUS but allows for ownership,

neighbors can attend special permit meeting

"FAQ on ADUs," Planning Board via Stephanie Boyd, page 10.Boyd, Stephanie. Interview, 26 October, 2020.

Image: “INFOGRAPHIC - Pros And Cons Of Different ADU Types.” Murray Lampert , 28 Sept. 2018, murraylampert.com/ infographic-pros-cons-different-adu-types/ . Accessed Fall 2020.

Case Studies ❖ Encourage residents to divide homes into housing units➢ lack of a setback exemption may be the

only thing in way of utilizing ADUs➢ Restrictions on ADU placement kept

landowners from building ➢ Brom in Seattle, Washington, Larsen

family first in St. Paul, Minnesota

Menard, Lina. “Evelyn Brom's ADU: Another House for the Other Street.” Accessory Dwellings, 29 Dec. 2019, accessorydwellings. org/2019/12/29/evelyn -broms-adu-another-house-for-the-other-street/. Accessed Fall 2020. Image also from this source.Thieroff, Mark, and Eli Spevak. “St. Paul's First ADU Goes Up.” Accessory Dwellings, 25 Apr. 2018, accessorydwellings.org/201 8/0 4/25/st -pauls-first -adu-goes-up/. Accessed Fall 2020.

Proposal #3:Mixed-use Development with Affordable Housing Units at the Old Town Garage Site

Image: “Cable Mills Apartments.” Cable Mills Apartments For Rent - Williamstown, MA | Rentals.com, www.rentals.com/ Apartments/ Massachusetts/ Williamstown/ 100025797.Accessed Fall 2020.

Old Town Garage Site

Image by Sarah Gardner, December, 2020. Williamstown, MA.

Proposal #3 Considerations❖ Societal Impact

➢ Socioeconomic integration➢ Community engagement/student interaction➢ Welcomes minority groups

❖ Environmental Impact➢ High density is better than sprawl ➢ Utilizes impervious surface for new housing, saving

farmland❖ Economic Impact

➢ J ob opportunities/ more customers ➢ Cost v. town revenue ➢ P otential high living cost➢ High median area income, units not truly affordable

❖ Feasibility➢ Dependent on funding, environmental parameters,

citizen approval Image from Tobenkin, David. “REITs and Mixed-Use Development.” Nareit , REIT Magazine, 31 Oct. 2017, www.reit .com/ news/ reit-magazine/ november-december-2017/ reits-and-mixed-use-development.

Case Studies ❖ Urban Land Institute Mixed-Use Development ➢ Three or more revenue-producing establishments

(recreation, civic, cultural, etc.),➢ Integration, density, and land use compatibility➢ Walkability throughout the community

❖ South Campus Gateway in Ohio ➢ 1997, Ohio State University’s board of trustees and the

Columbus city council approved mixed-use development➢ Promote redevelopment and revitalization➢ 184 market-rate apartments, restaurants, office space…➢ Surrounding landlords and property owners more

willing to invest in housing options for potential tenants➢ Larger study, still applicable

The Delaware Complete Communities Toolbox. “What Is Mixed-Use Development?” Planning for Complete Communities in Delaware, University of Delaware, www.completecommunitiesde.org/planning/landuse/what-is-mixed-use-development/. Accessed Fall 2020.

“South Campus Gateway.” ULI Development Case Studies, April-June 2007, Volume 37, Number 09, Case Number C037009, https://casestudies.uli.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/C037009.pdf. Accessed December 2020. Images also from this source.

Option Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

No action No cost to town No pushbackHomeowners keep valuable land

Not sustainableNo middle/low income families Not necessarily preserve farmland

Reduce fear of changing image/unknowns

Economically unfavorable

Proposal #1: Multiple family zoning (general residence) (cap at 3 + ADU= 4) via special permit

Integrated affordable housing Less land development No cost to town Steady income for retired residentsHigh density housing

No guaranteed changeMay need supporting incentivesLand owner pushbackNew units could become rentals

Promotes diversity Better community engagement Options for middle income families Use for second homes year round

Reluctance to change More Air BnB’s v. full time rentalsUnwillingness to split homes Push back from town againWealthier, large home owners opposition

Proposal #2:ADU exemption setback & ownership capabilities (via special permit)

Housing for low income residentsIntegration with landownersCreates incentive for housing optionsNo cost to town Small environmental impact Home ownership availableFinancially appeal to homeownersSteady income for retired residents

Relies on motivation of homeowners Limits high-density housing (2 per lot)Neighbors can prevent grant of permitIncentive may not be strong enough Citizen may not want to divide land

Increased socioeconomic diversity Increased racial diversity Appeals to younger demographic Population growth good for businessOption for middle and lower income Utilize otherwise unused space/buildingUse for second homes lots year round

Opposition to waiving boundaries More Air BnB’s v. ADU ownership

Proposal #3:Mixed-use development & affordable housing units

Increases town center appeal Creates more jobs

Largest environmental impactCompeting businessesMost expensive to buildMay be expensive for tenants Segregated section of town

Business opportunities Modeled to exemplify sustainability Student interactionsOption for lower income

Environmental limits/parametersRapid change may result in pushbackUnlikely under 40B get another affordable housing unit so soonHigh median area income so units not truly affordable

Comparative SWOT Analysis

Three Proposals: Feasibility & Goals

❖ Short Term Goal: Proposal #2❖ Most Feasible

➢ Other two proposals were turned down previously

➢ Less drastic change ❖ Long Term Goal: Proposal #1❖ Longer Term Goal: Proposal #3

"FAQ on ADUs," Planning Board via Stephanie Boyd, page 10.Litman, Todd. “Can Upzoning Increase Housing Supply and Affordability?” P lanetizen, February 4, 2019. https:/ / www.planetizen.com/ blogs/ 102740-

can-upzoning-increase-housing-supply-and-affordability. Boyd, Stephanie. Interview, 26 October, 2020.

Image: “Los Angeles ADUs – What You Need To Know For 2020.” GreatBuildz , 4 Dec. 2020, www.greatbuildz.com/ blog/ los-angeles-adu-accessory-dwelling-unit/ . Accessed Fall 2020.

Town Council Form of Government:

Longest Time Frame

❖ Examine structure of open meeting versus town council➢ "Consensus agenda" of Planning Board in

2019❖ Democracy: less direct but removes the

"filibuster" of dissent of few❖ Council-oriented government system❖ Palmer, MA

➢ Population grew 6% to 12,497 residents in 2000➢ Shift to Town Council-Town Manager from Open

Town Meeting, Board of Selectmen, and Town Administrator

➢ Before: lack of productivity➢ After: predicted to be more efficient

Dravis, Stephen. “Zoning Bylaw Likely to Engender Debate at Williamstown Town Meeting,” May 20, 2019. https://www.iberkshires.com/story/59985/Zoning-Bylaw-Likely-to-Engender-Debate-at-Williamstown-Town-Meeting.html. Palmer MA info: Smith, Michael and Schudrich, Arianna. “A Study on Structural Changes in Local Government in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” Clark University, Master’s of Public Administration Capstone Project, Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association Form of Government Committee, 7 May, 2010. https:/ / www.mma.org/ wp-content/ uploads/ 2018/ 07/ mmma_form_of_govt_report_0.pdf. Accessed Fall 2020.

Photo from “Courthouse Clipart Town Hall Building.” Download Clipart - Thank You for Using WebStockReview, WebStockReview, webstockreview.net/ pict/ getfirst . Accessed December, 2020.

Recommendations for Williams College Based on History ❖ Berkshire Eagle from 2018 - Maynard Seider

➢ Williams College Slavery and Justice Committeesimilar to Brown University ■ Acknowledge historical ties with slavery■ Address lasting racial inequality in policies

➢ Mass MoCA (& WCMA) permanent exhibits❖ Examine building names on campus like Griffin Hall

➢ Yale University: Calhoun to Grace Hopper❖ Increase diversity requirement

Seider, Maynard. “Maynard Seider: Slavery and the North Berkshires,” November 3, 2020. https:/ / www.berkshireeagle.com/ opinion/ columnists/ maynard-seider-slavery-and-the-north-berkshir es/ article_09e57d6f-2eba-58f9-b024-3fa3669e678f.html. Yale to Change Calhoun College's Name to Honor Grace Murray Hopper,” February 9, 2018. https:/ / news.yale.edu/ 2017/ 02/ 11/ yale-change-calhoun-college-s-name-honor-grace-murray-hopper-0 .Sheri, Gordon. “Rental Housing Policy.” Human Resources, Berea College, 16 Nov. 2018, www.berea.edu/ human-resources/ rental-housing-policy/ . Accessed Fall 2020.

Image: Poliakoff, Michael. “Can Storied Williams College Be Saved From Itself?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 21 Nov. 2019, www.forbes.com/ sites/ michaelpoliakoff/ 2019/ 11/ 21/ can-storied-williams-college-be-saved-from-itself/ ?sh= 7401f838297a. Accessed Fall 2020.

Recommendations for Williams College Based on History ❖ Rental units opened to staff

➢ Diverse staff members at Williams

➢ Historically connects to White Oaks, Colonial Village, Harry Logan's story

➢ Berea College in Kentucky

Image from “Jones House.” Human Resources, Berea College, 5 Dec. 2018, www.berea.edu/human-resources/berea-college-rental-properties/jones-house/.

Recommendations: Based on Neighborhoods History

Spruces: Monument and plaque honoring the history of the Spruces, Williamstown Historical Museum exhibit, video recording playing on a loop (Carol Zingareli)

Colonial Village: advocacy for H4944 bill, actively fight against racism

Blackinton: remember the importance of diversity in future decision making

White Oaks: recognize suffering and sacrifice, park/plaque/community buildingCaution against dissenters to housing density changes due to "character of

neighborhood"

Future Work Plan (the next steps) ❖ Examine banking practices in town by interviewing the

former Williamstown Banking President➢ Redlining in Berkshire County investigation➢ Frances Jones-Sneed study for banks on banking

practices❖ Find the Williams College 1964 Fair Housing Survey of

Williamstown ➢ Reconduct the survey to see how attitudes have

changed❖ Continue to uncover the town's racial history

➢ Ex. Williamstown Historical Museum lecture series on the Chadwell family

➢ White Oaks and individual histories❖ Pledge 36 & 37 of Planning Board (future planning)

➢ How to incentivize smart growth among residents?

Image: “Williamstown Bank: Helpful Links.” Visit Williamstown Bank , www.williamstownbank.com/ helpful-links/ visit/ . Accessed Fall 2020.

AcknowledgementsThank you to all the interviewees for their time and help with our project.

Andrew Groff, Barbara Oneil, Carol Zingareli, Cathy Yamamoto, Cheryl Shanks, Chris Winters, Daniel Gura, Dennis Powell, Elton Ogden, Frances Jones-Sneed, Jamie Art, Matthew Sheehy, Kashia Pieprzak, Lauren Shuffleton- Drago, Sarah Currie, Stephanie Boyd, Susan Puddester, & Tom Sheldon

Thank you to Professor Gardner for her help in facilitating this project and providing feedback.

Thank you to our clients Bilal Ansari and Andrew Art for allowing us to be a part of this important work.