Lanesborough Select Board Fields Nuisance, Noise Complaints
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Nuisance complaints about various locations in town occupied much of the Select Board's attention this week, as diverse concerns were raised about properties ranging from abandoned houses to new commercial enterprises.
The board first heard concerns from Thomas Foland about a lot adjacent to his property that he says has become increasingly filled up with debris.
Foland said the 6-acre parcel, whose only structure is a barn used for storage, is an eyesore and could eventually pose a risk to his own property. Located on North Main Street (Route 7) the lot is listed as being owned by James Arpante of Pittsfield, since 1999.
"He's had previous fires on the property, which is another concern of mine, with all the stuff he's accumulated," Foland told the board.
The land around the barn, he said, has become filled up with junk cars, lumber, and a variety of other refuse, a "pile of garbage that just keeps growing from year to year."
With a general consensus of agreement from the Select Board that the property needed to be addressed, a meandering discussion of possible remedies ensued. Building Inspector Rick Reed said there is a section of bylaw about waste disposal that may cover the issues mentioned, but said he will need to get a better look at the property to see what would apply. Lanesborough Police will also provide their drone to video the land from above.
The conversation also weaved back and forth between this lot and another derelict property not far south of it, also on North Main. Vacant and dilapidated for some years, it has previously been served with condemnation and demolition orders, and the board is keen to see it come down.
"It's got to come down," said Chair John Goerlach. "Whether we put it in the town budget, or find out if we can convince these people to do it on their own dime."
According to Massachusetts geographic information system records, the house's owners, Sidney and Edith Carlsbad, reside in California, and town officials have thus far been unable to engage them in a dialogue.
Separately, the Selectmen also fielded a complaint regarding a recent live music at the new Berkshire Mantiques site, from neighbor Katherine McKeen.
"I could hear every word of lyrics," McKeen said of the music volume. "For seven straight hours."
McKeen asked that she be given at least two weeks advance notice of any such events there in the future.
Goerlach said the board issued the permit for the event, which was held as a cancer benefit, and that in the future the Selectmen can notify her when such permit requests will be on the agenda.
Selectman Gordon Hubbard suggested the issue can probably be solved with some simple modification to the setup and placement of the sound system.
Tags: blight,
