St. Mary of Morning Star was offered to the city by Cafua Management.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayor Daniel Bianchi says the city has no use for the former St. Mary of Morning Star building but he hopes to find people who do.

 

The Tyler Street building has been at forefront of conversation since Cafua Management proposed to tear it down and build a Dunkin' Donuts.

 

After public outcry, the company then sent a release out to media offering to donate the building to the city, while keeping the rectory and the rest of the 2.6 acre parcel for their business.

 

The city, however, doesn't need the building and isn't sure if it is worth taking. But, the mayor says he wants to find out what could be done through a series of communities meetings. 

 

"The city per se doesn't have a need for that building. But, perhaps we can collaborate with others," the mayor said. 

 

The large, cavernous space may be difficult to re-use and the condition is currently unknown. The mayor says he is hoping to have the building inspector and members of the community development office walk through the land to get a grasp on the condition.

 

"When all is said and done, I am not going to have the taxpayer be exposed to an unreasonable liability," Bianchi said. "I would see the city as guiding a discussion and helping others consider other options."

 

While church buildings pose difficulties in repurposing, it is possible. In recent years, a North Adams church was repurposed into an art gallery and a preschool expanded in a Williamstown church.  

 

Bianchi said he is already gathering anyone he thinks would be interested in reusing St. Mary's to "kick around" ideas. And soon he will be scheduling a community meeting in hopes to generate ideas.

 

"We struggle with taking care of the properties we have now. But, I think it opens up the possibility of a very compelling discussion with the community," the mayor said.

 

The mayor said he hasn't had discussion with the company over the donation. Nor has City Planner C.J. Hoss. So far the company has only written a letter asking for its application to be withdrawn.

 

Bianchi added that the city is not required to accept the donation.

 

The site was actually one of multiple sites consultants Kaestle Boos looked at for a new police station. However, that idea requires the entire 2.6 acre parcel. It was also eliminated from consideration because of the private interest — the city is hoping to avoid acquiring new property for that building.