Williamstown's debate over affordable housing, conserved land and farming
In the
beginning
On Aug. 28, 2011, Tropical Storm Irene caused the Hoosic River to overflow its banks and flood the Spruces Mobile Home Park, causing the loss of more than 150 homes, or two-thirds of the park.
Williamstown in 2002 agreed on a master plan that spoke to the need for more affordable housing. It identified a deficit of 164; the town has added 8 units since then but lost 150.
Spruces founder Al Bachand saw the park as a community, or little village, for retirees. Over the years, the park became an attractive option for those over age 55 on fixed incomes as housing prices and rents in Williamstown rose around them.
Housing advocates and local church groups sought to help the residents and seek new opportunities for affordable housing.
The town and Spruces residents have had issues with park owner Morgan Management. It began with debates over rents and, after Irene, lawsuits against the town and attorney general.
Morgan agreed to sell the property for $600,000, at a loss, to the town and drop the lawsuit.
It identifies flooding at the Spruces as the town's No. 1 hazard.
It does not indicate where the residents would be moved other than "All residents will be relocated to decent, safe and sanitary dwellings."
Two options are provided:
• Completely redoing all infrastructure and jacking up or rebuilding all units above the floodline at a cost of $10.9 million.
• Construct a levee and a pumping system at a cost of $15.5 million.
Land Options
for Housing
There are four prime spots under consideration. Two are brownfields, two are farmland.
Lowry land,
Stratton Road
Town garage,
Water Street
The Affordable Housing Committee has been seeking appropriate locations for housing. While the Lowry land, originally purchased as a potential site for Mount Greylock Regional High School, is considered ideal, other locations under the town's control have not been ruled out.Higher Ground is also seeking ways to expand housing for seniors.
Lowry was purchased in 1956 for $29,000; Burbank was deeded to the town; Photech was taken for back taxes.
Photech Mill,
Cole Avenue
Burbank Farm,
Luce Road
The Planning Board suggested in 2010 plans for developing the town garage site, but geared toward a more affluent clientele.
Voters will be faced with articles dealing with land & housing on April 24 and May 21.
Updates on other debate details:
The Army Corps of Engineers has rejected a request to study or involve itself in a project to alleviate flooding at the Spruces in part because the land is privately owned.
A number of residents have argued that since the Lowry land was voted by two-thirds vote to the Conservation Commission's purview in 1987, a similar vote is required to take it out. Town counsel's opinion is that the land was originally purchased for a high school, therefore it does not fall under the relevant state conservation law (Article 97) and does not require a two-thirds vote to be taken out of conservation.
Stratton Hills Condominium Association has provided a competing legal opinion that Lowry does fall under Article 97.
WilliNet hosted a sometimes emotional community conversation on land versus housing. Read our story here and/or watch the two-hour event.
Putting it to a Vote
A group of citizens succeed in garnering 312 signatures to call for a special town meeting on April 24 to vote on whether to keep the 30-acre Lowry property undeveloped. The Selectmen offer a competing article directing 10.5 acres be used for affordable housing, with the balance conserved.
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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.
Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.
BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.
The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.
It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.
Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.
Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street.
The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.
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