Town of Otis Revitalization Committee Update

By Cynthia Fletcher

November 2025

The Town of Otis Revitalization Committee would like to thank the ten local businesses who participated in the recent Otis Business Focus Groups. Members of the committee will follow up with individual meetings with local businesses. Evening meetings where the public can share their thoughts about revitalization are being scheduled. Check the Otis Town calendar for updates or follow us on Facebook at Revitalize Otis.

The Revitalization Committee is starting to explore community paramedicine in anticipation of increased need for local health care. The concept focuses on leveraging existing assets to expand opportunities in our town. The first step in understanding if community paramedicine would be a viable option is to learn how others are implementing their programs, particularly in rural settings. A few states have embraced paramedicine as an enhancement to EMS care, addressing this area as a part of essential services. Members of the Revitalization Committee attended a virtual conference where we learned that Maine, for example, has a program in place that is now a decade old, and coordinates a network of 22 agencies and rural hospitals. While Massachusetts does have a scattering of community paramedicine programs in urban areas which alleviate over-dependence on emergency room services, none of these programs addresses small town needs specifically. As we continue to learn about the types of services that could be offered, required education and training, and funding sources, an informed recommendation can be made. Ultimately, the concept of community paramedicine centers itself on neighbors helping neighbors.

Recognizing that people should be able to live in the community where they work, the Revitalization Committee is also exploring the parameters of affordable housing, and how affordable rentals and ownerships can bring potential and positivity to our town. Members attended a neighboring town’s planning board meeting where a presentation on community planning explored unconventional development options that preserve natural spaces. Proposed bylaw changes to accommodate multifamily construction while preserving the town’s character were also discussed at the meeting.

Construct, Inc., a Great Barrington nonprofit specializing in affordable rentals in the southern Berkshires, presented their insights at our September open meeting. Hillary and Mike Howard introduced Construct’s model of navigating affordable rentals: their company purchases everything they develop with subsidies from state and federal funding. We will look further into this option, as well as exploring the viability of affordable home ownership, community housing trust, possible bylaw revisions, and ways our Town may support accessory dwelling unit (ADU) construction in relation to affordable housing.

The next Revitalization Committee meeting is scheduled for November 17th, 10 am at the Town Hall. If you are able to come by or Zoom in, we would welcome your input.