"We have neighbors to this particular property who are doing their best to maintain their properties and sadly the condition of this property is having a negative effect with diminished property values and diminished quality of life. This will be a top, top priority for me in my administration," she said at the time.
The three-unit rental property at 49-55 John St. was the backdrop. On Wednesday, the Board of Health ordered for it to be demolished.
"This property has been a blight in the neighborhood for more than seven years and it's time," Code Enforcement Inspector Mark Blaisdell told the Board of Health.
Blaisdell said code enforcement began seven years ago. In October 2016, the department ramped up issuing nuisance letters, ticketing the property owner, issuing nuisance orders, and even met with the property owner multiple times on site.
"Code enforcement has remained unsuccessful. He does the most minimal things to do for compliance," Blaisdell said.
Blaisdell said the property is a safety risk for anybody who walks onto it and cited some specific areas of the building that were in "dire need" of repair.
In May 2017, the city issued an order of condemnation. And now, the Board of Health has given the OK for it to be demolished.
Health Director Gina Armstrong said the house will be added to another lengthy list of properties awaiting demolition. A "code enforcement team" consisting of the building inspectors and Fire, Health, and Engineering departments meets monthly with representatives from Community Development and the city solicitor, and the Purchasing Department will determine which of those on the list gets taken down.
Just recently, that group ordered four other properties to be razed. Later in the year, the city is expected to order another round of demolitions and 49-55 John St. could end up on that list. Or, it could end up being pushed to a later round. Armstrong said the properties chosen for demolition are based on a number of factors and not necessarily in order of when the demolitions were approved.
The Board of Health also issued demolition orders for 37-39 Curtis St. and 100 John St. as well on Wednesday, adding to the number of properties slated to eventually meet their maker.
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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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