PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Zoning Board of Appeals continued a hearing by request of the applicant True East Leaf.
The brief meeting on Wednesday was to act on the request of proposed indoor marijuana cultivators who asked to continue the hearing until February.
"This has been continued for several months at this point," Chairman Albert Ingegni III noted.
True East Leaf looks to operate at 161 Seymour St. and is seeking a special permit to do this. However, according to Permitting Coordinator Nate Joyner, the owners have to put some finishing touches on some design work.
Joyner said other than that, they had no more correspondence on the project.
"We have not received anything else or any other comments on that," Joyner said.
The Community Development Board gave True East Leaf the go-ahead last year. It did waive a city parking requirement but included in its recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals that the permit only be given if True East Leaf can square away its lack of parking and designate off-street parking for employees.
The ZBA also heard from True East Leaf in September and although the cultivator's attorney said they solved the parking issue, the board aired its own concerns about parking congestion in the area and possible order and its effect on surrounding businesses.
This was also a concern of area restaurant Tahiti Take-Out.
That hearing was also continued.
Board member John Fitzgerald also pointed out that True East Leaf has asked for multiple continuations. He said as far as his vote, this will be the last one he will allow.
"This has gone on for several months," he said. "I think in my opinion this would be the last chance because we have given them plenty of time."
The meeting lasted under five minutes and the next meeting was scheduled for Feb. 19.
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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice.
The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down. The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down.
On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn.
"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote.
The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms. Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access.
The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one. The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza.
101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel. It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox.
Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000.
In early February, the airport was approached by a prior tenant, Leon Shabott of Hangar4Planes, about the possibility of constructing a hangar at the airport.
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The state Department of Transportation and CSX have reached an agreement for local infrastructure improvements that will be a "major step" to making the Berkshire Flyer a permanent seasonal service.
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