Pittsfield Commission Refuses Support For Yola Esther Project
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Commission on Disabilities voted Thursday to deny a variance sought by the Yola Esther Development, expressing frustration about the lack of compliance seen in the controversial development project that includes Giovina, Kara and Karen drives.
The state's Architectural Access Board (AAB), which must approve the variance for curb cuts sought by Yola Esther, has asked for the local commission's input in the form of a written letter either expressing support or lack of support.
"Since they've disregarded our input from the beginning, I'm of the opinion that we should not support the variance," stated commission Chairwoman June Hailer.
Hailer, along with City Engineer Matthew Billeter, had previously raised concerns about the project's compliance with agreed upon terms in October, speaking in opposition of the return of a bond credit to the developers, which was nonetheless approved by the city's Community Development Board.
According to them, the project has completely failed to meet federal ADA requirements, and overall upgrades to the three streets off Williams and Leona will cost as much as $200,000 to the city if they ultimately were to become accepted city streets.
"This situation is particularly egregious," said Billeter. "We were ignored. Since then, we've been bullied by the developer. I'm not going to be bullied."
Billeter on Thursday expressed disappointment in the Community Development Board's 7-1 vote to approve the letter of credit despite the recommendation of his office. "Politics gets involved and sometimes the right thing doesn't get done."
If this variance is approved, the city will be "left with basically useless sidewalks," Billeter added, "It's hard to walk on them, let alone navigate a wheelchair."
"I don't like the attitude [from them]," offered Commissioner Pat Sheely.
Hailer said there will also issues with the variance paperwork not being submitted on time. "They're not meeting required deadlines ... there's a whole bunch of stuff going on here."
The commission voted unanimously for a motion to send a letter stating it is not in support of the request to the AAB, which will make the final determination on this issue.
Tags: ADA, commission on disabilities, housing development, sidewalks,
