Cheshire Discusses Road Work, ADU Bylaws

CHESHIRE, Mass. — Bumpy Fred Mason Road is on the is on the Department of Public Works' project list for this summer. 

DPW Director Corey McGrath said the summer paving plans are being boosted by an award of $430,000 for the Fred Mason Road project. He told the Select Board on Tuesday that the initial quote for the project was $493,135 and that he will be doing a calcium additive to help with frost and better protect the road.

He also mentioned the DPW plans to shim and pave a portion of Reservoir Road as well as mill and fill a section of Church Street.

McGrath is asking for a total of $472,575 out of Chapter 90 road funds, which was approved.

The Select Board also reviewed bylaw proposals for accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals.

The Planning Board has recently been working with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission through District Local Technical Assistance funding to develop the ADU bylaw while also looking to allow short-term rentals and place them into the zoning table.

Some notable changes include defining an ADU as between 900 and 1,200 square feet with a special permit from the Planning Board; one parking spot per ADU; and requiring special permit for a second ADU.

The dimensional requirements will be the same as already established for principal buildings and structures.

The state allows ADUs by right in single-family residential zones but gives communities some control, such as over setbacks, sizes and permitting.

Select Board member Ronald DeAngelis asked if the planners could look into tiny homes, which tend to be smaller than 400 to 500 square feet, or about half the size of an ADU, and try to have something written for those.

In other notes, the town is preparing to auction of two parcels of land on West Mountain Road and on Shadowland Cove Road. 

Select Board members also held off on using a police chief search committee or consultants for the next chief of police to gather more information. 

Friday Afternoon Fire Destroys Cheshire Barn

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
04:40PM / Friday, April 03, 2026

 

CHESHIRE, Mass. — A fire on Friday afternoon destroyed a barn at 920 Sand Mill Road.

 

The building is a total loss but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching another nearby barn and the house at Stoney Brook Farm. 

 

Fire Chief Thomas Francesconi said the fire was called in 12:39 p.m. by the homeowners "but it already had a foothold before they noticed it."

 

Responding firefighters found the L-shaped structure fully involved. Adams, Lanesborough, Savoy and Windsor fire companies responded and Williamstown Fire covered the station.

 

The tankers were used to transport water from a nearby brook until a pool could be set up near the scene and water pumped into it. 

 

Northern Berkshire EMS responded and one firefighter was treated at the scene and then taken to Berkshire Medical Center. 

 

Francesconi said there were no other injuries but the owners told him there were 18 chickens in the barn. The structure also had equipment and other materials in it, including a Jeep.