PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council made an amendment to zoning ordinances that would increase the range on abutter notifications in response to the South Street cell tower.

 

A group of residents neighboring the cell tower celebrated Tuesday some movement on zoning changes they have advocated for over the past year.

 

"If there was a certified mail notification to all abutters within 500 feet four years ago when the tower was permitted, we could have prevented 14 good people from getting sick and multiple families from having to leave their homes forcing homelessness on neighbors in Shack Town," Alma Street resident Courtney Gilardi said during public comment. "We hope this is a good start that will prevent this from happening elsewhere."

 

The tower was constructed in 2020 after Verizon received permitting from the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2017. The tower's address is on South Street but it was installed far from the road in the southeast corner of the property near a heavily residential area.

 

Since then, neighbors have taken legal action against Verizon and have petitioned the city to take action. Through a City Council petition earlier this year, the Community Development Board crafted a compromised amendment.

 

"It is a potential compromise that would balance the abutters' concerns and look at increasing the notification range," City Planner CJ Hoss said. "But also looking at what the actual costs would be to an applicant."

 

Prior to the change, the ordinance required abutter notification for properties located within 300 feet of the property subject to the special permit request.

 

The amendment, reviewed by the Community Development Board, increased this distance to 500 feet. Notifications would have to be sent out via certified mail.

 

Permits related to residential uses have been excluded and instead, the amendment focuses on commercial and industrial uses that can be placed in residential areas.

 

Amelia Gilardi also spoke during public comment. The 13-year-old said she had to leave her home because the tower made her sick. She thanked the council for supporting the amendment but felt there was more work that needed to be done to protect neighborhoods.

 

Hoss said the Community Development Board plan to look at some more policy changes.

 

Before the meeting, began Mayor Linda Tyer read a proclamation recognizing the Taconic High School baseball team for their winning the state Division 3 championship. 

 

"What we know for sure is that this is a group of young men that know that dedication, hard work, perseverance is what leads to championships," she said. "We are so honored to have you with us this evening ... what a thrill you gave us at Wahconah Park."  

 

Tyer announced each member of the team and asked them to stand up for recognition

 

In other business, the council:

 

• Appointed Joel Bergeland to the Human Services Advisory Council

 

• Accepted a donation of $3,000 from the Lions Club for the Pittsfield Police Department for BolaWrap remote restraint equipment.

 

• Accepted a $50,000 from the Massachusetts Trial Court, Office of the Commissioner of Probation for the FY22 diverting juveniles and emerging adults from criminal justice system involvement program.

 

The money will be used for the Police Department to work with 18 Degrees nonprofit to increase access to mentors for at-risk youth in the ongoing mentoring program.

 

• Accepted a $133,600 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, MassTrails grant program for the design and permitting for the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.

 

These funds will be directed towards the design and permitting for the trail extension from the current trail terminus just south of Crane Avenue to Merrill Road.