WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- A delay in obtaining the certificate of occupancy for a 54-unit apartment building on Water Street forced some tenants to postpone their moves this week.

 

The "River Lofts" apartments, the third and final planned phase of development at the Cable Mills property, is funded in part by $480,000 in town contributions to the developer.

 

On Friday morning, iBerkshires.com heard from would-be occupants that they had to change their plans at the last minute while the four-story building awaited final sign-off from the town's building inspector.

 

"We are very close but there are a few small punch list items that need to be finalized," Town Manager Robert Menicocci wrote in a midday Friday email. "Our building inspector is working closely with them each day to help them get their c/o. We are hopeful that it can happen in the next day or so."

 

Developer David Traggorth of Hanover, Mass., firm Causeway Development said that such delays are not uncommon and are taken into account in the initial leases of new developments like River Lofts.

 

"As is typical with new construction, the final inspection process involves several approvals, and timing can shift," Traggorth wrote in reply to an email seeking information. "Given this reality, resident leases anticipate potential construction-related delays and address changes to occupancy dates and rent adjustments while an apartment is unavailable.

 

"We’re completing the final inspection and certificate of occupancy process at River Lofts, and a handful of residents have had to adjust their move-in dates. We understand that changing an expected moving date is disruptive and our leasing and marketing team is in touch with each affected resident, working through individual needs on a case-by-case basis."