image description

Williamstown Youth Center Clears First Permitting Hurdle

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A new Youth Center took another step forward Monday night when it received its first approval through the Planning Board.


Related Stories


Williamstown Youth Center Location Chosen

Williamstown to Decide On Youth Center

Williamstown School, Youth Center Seeks Town Input

Williamstown Debates Elementary School Playground

Williamstown Youth Center To Break Ground This Fall

The plans reached the board Monday night for a functional equivalency determination on whether the plans fit subdivision access regulations.


The center is set to be built on Elementary School land and though not technically a subdivision, the plans must still meet those requirements, Planning Board Chairman Pat Dunlavey said.

"Because they are building two buildings on the same land it has to comply as if it [was] two lots," Dunlavey said on Tuesday. "There was some discussion about drainage."

The plans show drainage toward Church Street in the same way water is currently drained. Before the new Elementary School was built, water ran off toward School Street.

While the board said they wished the developers analyzed restoring the drainage toward School Street, it is not in their purview to demand it.

The board unanimously agreed that the plans fit the regulations. Youth Center officials will face the Zoning Board of Appeals next Thursday, when Youth Center officials will seek a special permit.

Youth Center officials hope to break ground in October.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
View Full Story

More Williamstown Stories