Community Input Sought for Cole Avenue Affordable Housing Site

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Affordable Housing Committee is seeking public input at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12, about the proposal to develop the property at 330 Cole Ave. into affordable housing units.

The initial stages of long-awaited development of the property, commonly known as the PhoTec site, are now under way. New conceptual plans have been developed that include the renovation and use of the existing “cube” building, as well as construction of two-story townhouses, creating 46 one-, two- and three-bedroom units for individuals or families of all ages with low or moderate incomes.

As part of its monthly meeting, the Affordable Housing Committee has asked the developer of the Cole Avenue site, the Berkshire Housing Development Corporation, to provide an overview of their plans for the new project. The meeting is also designed to provide an opportunity for residents who live in the neighborhood, as well as the broader community, to provide initial feedback on design and other issues.

The meeting will be held at Town Hall at 5 p.m.

Williamstown Fire Committee Talks Station Project Cuts, Truck Replacement

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:17AM / Friday, April 26, 2024

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Prudential Committee on Wednesday signed off on more than $1 million in cost cutting measures for the planned Main Street fire station.

 

Some of the "value engineering" changes are cosmetic, while at least one pushes off a planned expense into the future.

 

The committee, which oversees the Fire District, also made plans to hold meetings over the next two Wednesdays to finalize its fiscal year 2025 budget request and other warrant articles for the May 28 annual district meeting. One of those warrant articles could include a request for a new mini rescue truck.

 

The value engineering changes to the building project originated with the district's Building Committee, which asked the Prudential Committee to review and sign off.

 

In all, the cuts approved on Wednesday are estimated to trim $1.135 million off the project's price tag.

 

The biggest ticket items included $250,000 to simplify the exterior masonry, $200,000 to eliminate a side yard shed, $150,000 to switch from a metal roof to asphalt shingles and $75,000 to "white box" certain areas on the second floor of the planned building.

 

The white boxing means the interior spaces will be built but not finished. So instead of dividing a large space into six bunk rooms and installing two restrooms on the second floor, that space will be left empty and unframed for now.