Pittsfield Gathering Input on Springside House Future

Parks and Open Space Manager James McGrath leads a group discussion at City Hall on the future of the house.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A vision for the future of Springside House and the park is starting to come to fruition.

On Monday, city officials began gathering input on what type of reuse citizens would like to see for the historic building. And, in turn, they began gathering information on the master plan for the entire park.

According to Parks and Open Space Manager James McGrath, the city reeled in a $30,000 grant in June to assess the condition of the building and then create an adaptive reuse plan.

Springside House had been used for recreational and community activities in the past and had been until recently the parks department's headquarters.

CME Architecture performed the assessment and now the city is starting to process of creating that plan.

"This is your Springside House and we want to make sure what we are doing is consistent with what the community wants," McGrath told some two dozen residents who joined at City Hall to give input.

The residents were asked what they want to see at that house and the answers varied.

Horticultural and educational uses seemed to rise to the forefront as each of the three breakout groups identified those as usages.

An idea to partner with local colleges for educational planning seemed to be highly supported. Also popular was an idea to transform the house into a visitor's center featuring exhibits of the city's history.

Other ideas included holding weddings and other functions at the house, using it as for an art gallery or meeting and municipal office space. Beyond the building, residents expressed ideas of Nordic skiing trails, ice skating, community gardens and swimming areas in the park itself. Reuse of the building could complement those activities.

"These are comments that we will certainly roll into the development of this master plan," McGrath said.

Architect Lynn Smith outlined the condition of the building. She said the building needs work but can be saved.

Architect Lynn Smith said the building isn't "irreparable" but does need significant work.

The brick-based foundation has water damage, the exterior trim and siding is peeling and breaking off and interior systems such as heating and plumbing need to be modernized.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.