Greenfield City Council Unanimously Backs Rent Stabilization Resolution, Rodenticide Ban

GREENFIELD -- May 20, 2026, Greenfield City Council unanimously backs rent stabilization resolution and rodenticide ban at four-hour May meeting. The council voted unanimously to support a state-level act enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants, acknowledging the ballot language was "not ideal" but expressing hope the resolution would push the Legislature toward better tools for municipalities and non-corporate landlords. A separate resolution banning second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides on all city-owned and managed property also passed without opposition; the Department of Public Works had already been in compliance. The council accepted $960,308.54 in Chapter 90 state road funds, Greenfield's full FY27 transportation allocation, and repurposed a prior appropriation to cover cost increases in the water meter replacement program. City Clerk Catherine Scott addressed an open meeting law complaint tied to the April council meeting, saying documents were posted, removed, and reposted within the required timeframe, and thanked the resident for "keeping the City accountable." The council also approved a Valley Health Regional Collaborative Revolving Fund for the Health Department and Board of Health under MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E½.