PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Licensing Board received an update on the renovation of the former Johnny's Beach Club, which is still on schedule.
During a brief Licensing Board meeting Tuesday the board reviewed a letter from attorney Jeffrey Lynch, representing the owners of Barcelona Tapas and Bar Inc., outlining some of the progress they have made on the 87 Wahconah St. property.
"He predicts operation would start sometime in March or April assuming all the work gets done and the certificate of occupancy is awarded," Chairman Thomas Campoli said.
The owners indicated this summer that instead of opening the former Johnny's Beach Club as a tapas bar, they planned to improve the site in hopes of selling it.
Last month, the owners also indicated they would like to hold onto their license and if they are unable to sell the business they will open when renovations are complete.
This worried the Licensing Board, which was wary of the delayed project that has been ongoing since 2017. They asked for firmer dates and regular updates.
Campoli said Lynch wrote in his letter that exterior and interior work has been done and they are on schedule for completion this spring. He also included architectural plans for the board to consider.
He said Lynch will provide another update in December.
"Then we can really interrogate him about what they have in mind for that place," he said. "It has been out of operation for a long period of time."
Board member Denis Powell said he was impressed with the "ambitious" project.
"I will say it is quite an aggressive plan and I was quite impressed by it," he said. "I just hope they can get their money back it is a major renovation."
In other business, the board extended a seasonal all-alcohol package store license for Peaslee's Package & Variety and approved a change of hours for the Tamarack Room.
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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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.
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.
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