 Developers Pursue Duplex Project with Affordable Component for Former Williamstown Grange SiteLast week, Alexander Carlisle appeared before the board of the town's Affordable Housing Trust to seek its support for the project in anticipation of an approval process that will involve the town waiving zoning regulations to allow the development.  Dalton Select Board Sending Support Letter for Union Block RenovationsOwners Linda and Faisal Ali are applying through the Community One Stop for Growth portal for development funding to construct apartments on the top floor of the three-story Union Block and add an elevator on the east side. The cost of the undertaking is upwards of $1.2 million. Council Subcommittee OKs Pittsfield's CDBG Annual PlanThe Community and Economic Development subcommittee on Thursday approved CDBG Annual Plan for the program year 2022-2023.  Letter: Support for Williamstown Planning Board RecommendationsI support the Williamstown Planning Board's bylaw recommendations. They represent a good first step towards reducing the artificial barriers in our decades-old zoning map.  New York Company Plans $5M Housing Project at Old Adams Community CenterA New York construction company is planning to invest $5 million in the former community center on East to create 36 units of housing. Williamstown Housing Panel Contributes Funds to Comprehensive Plan EffortThe trustees convened their Feb. 16 meeting as a joint session of the trust and the Affordable Housing Committee. Last year, the seven-member AHT board was appointed as the Affordable Housing Committee, which has been defunct for several years. Housing Identified as Largest Need for Pittsfield CDBG FundsMore than 20 participants attended the virtual hearing on Wednesday. Through a survey over the Zoom platform, they voted housing as the top priority to support the community on two occasions.  Berkshire Planning Commission Looks to Build Housing CoalitionThis is part of this regional housing strategy BRPC has been working on with housing practitioners. It was suggested that the planners become more inclusive by trying a broader outreach to different population groups and then build a coalition that wants to advance housing of all types.  Pittsfield City Council OKs Lee Bank's 2nd Location on South StreetThe panel passed a special permit application for the construction of a drive-through window service at 180-184 South St. with one condition requiring a raised right-turn median instead of a painted one at the intersection of the streets.  Memorial Building Project Awarded to Rhode Island DeveloperAfter an executive session Wednesday, the board voted to award Jay Hayes of Wayland North the project that will convert the former middle school's classroom wing into one and two-bedroom apartments.  Williamstown Planning Board Talks Changes to Address Housing SupplyThe Planning Board last week discussed whether and how the town could implement changes to its zoning bylaws in order to increase the amount of housing stock in town.  CT Management Plans to Convert Tyler Street Fire House into ApartmentsThe Historical Commission on Monday deemed the fire station historically significant, making it eligible for Community Preservation Act funding that will support its proposed restoration.  Regional Planning Commission Tackling County Housing IssueBRPC has partnered with countywide organization 1Berkshire to develop a regional housing strategy, a policy that will set the stage for solutions and legislative support. The commission's former director, Nathaniel Karns has agreed to take this project on and help shepherd it through the process.  Williamstown CPC Seeks Requests; Big One Is on the WayThe Affordable Housing Trust, which has received CPC funds from town meeting each year since its inception in 2012, decided on Wednesday to this winter submit a request for $175,000 in new funding.  Mayor Tyer Reviving 'At Home in Pittsfield' ProgramThe initiative was referred on Tuesday to the subcommittee of Economic and Community Development. Tyer is asking for appropriation of $500,000 from the Pittsfield Economic Development Fund for the residential Exterior Home Improvement Loan Program.  Pittsfield Subcommittee Approves Housing TIE AgreementsThe exemptions recommended last week will help developers create market-rate housing on East Street and Tyler Street. |
