Jim Scalise, of SK Design, outlined the plans to the Community Development Board Tuesday night.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Big Y is looking to build a gas station in the rear of its West Street grocery store.

 

The company was given site-plan approval from the Community Development Board on Tuesday and will have to receive City Council approval later for a special permit.

 

The plan is to install a half-dozen gas pumps and a small store on land that formerly housed the Goodwill store.

 

"What we're proposing is a 1,500-square-foot, generally square 40-by-40 building and a canopy with six fuel pumps, which will allow for 12 pump stations which is orientated perpendicular or sidewise to the street," said engineer James Scalise of SK Design, who is working for Big Y.

 

The site is currently vacant and owned by Big Y. The parcel is in commercial zoning but because it proposes to be a gas station needs additional permitting. Additionally, the city's decision to add an arts overlay in the area also requires a special permit. After seeking and receiving the site plan review Tuesday night, Scalise says he expects to return in the coming months through the special permitting process.

 

"The site plan include coolers, a bakery case, a beverage case, a couple of restrooms and a transaction space," Scalise said. "All of that is detailed in the plans."

 

Scalise ran through some aspects of the site plan with the Community Development Board, including parking, access, water runoff and lighting. 

 

The site already has two curb cuts for access and the only change would be the west curb cut would be shifted slightly, he said. A sidewalk would be improved and maintained with the project. The supermarket just added parking recently but will add 11 spaces for the convenience store.

 

"There is parking on the Big Y parcel. There is six spaces here and we've got 11 spaces directly adjacent to the building. We've got parking under the canopy that would typically be used for the convenience store," Scalise said, pointing to various places on the site map. "We'll maintain the existing parking and add the parking required for this use."

 

Scalise said the parcel is too small for much landscaping but there would be some low planting to screen the loading area at the supermarket. 

Auto Zone is preparing to tear down the former Pizza Hut on Dalton Avenue and build an auto parts store.

The lighting was a "tricky" part of the proposal, Scalise said.

The area is currently dark for pedestrians so Scalise wanted to light the area well while containing the light to just that area.

The plan will call for an additional street light that the company will "gift" to the city.

Scalise said the signage is still "fluid" but it will include a monument sign with the gas prices. There will also be Big Y Express signs. Stormwater also has additional filtration because it is a gas station and the plans conform to water runoff standards.

 

"We really met the criteria of collection, treatment and containment," he said. 

 

On the other side of the city, Auto Zone has filed an application to demolish the former Pizza Hut in Allendale and build a store. That was expected to go to the Community Development Board on Tuesday but was continued until next month.

 

According to City Planner C.J. Hoss, the company requested a continuance so it can address concerns brought by neighbors.

 

Auto Zone needs a special permit to be freed from parking requirements. The former Pizza Hut is adjacent to a large shopping plaza. 

 

On Tyler Street, the Community Development Board approved exempting La Fogata from the parking requirements as it expands. The restaurant is looking to add about 14 seats.