Sewer Collection System Evaluation Study to Begin

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The City of Pittsfield Department of Public Utilities is conducting a sewer collection system study for the purpose of locating sources of storm water inflow to the City’s system. The purpose of the study is to locate connections such as catch basins, area drains, roof drains, broken sewer pipe and deteriorated pipe joints using a method called “smoke testing.”

During testing, non-toxic and non-staining white smoke is introduced through the sanitary sewer system via a smoke-generating device. During this procedure, white smoke will vent from holes in manhole covers located on the street and plumbing vent pipes located on the roofs of the nearby homes and businesses. THIS IS NORMAL AND SHOULD NOT BE CAUSE FOR ALARM.

The smoke testing is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 25th and will continue for 8 to 10 weeks. Informational door hangers will be distributed to the affected residences and businesses 24 to 72 hours prior to the smoke testing being performed. The smoke testing will be conducted by the City’s engineering consultants, S EA Consultants and Flow Assessment Services. Representatives of these firms will carry photo identification and their vehicles will be clearly labeled with the company name and phone number.

If you have any questions regarding the smoke testing work, please contact City of Pittsfield Department of Public Works & Utilities at 413-499-9330 or Kate Goyette at S EA Consultants at 508-270-6507.
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Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Construction is underway to transform the former Harry's Supermarket into a restaurant

Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building. 

"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu. 

A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building. 

White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.  

He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns. 

Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot. 

A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use. 

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