The new Taco Bell across from Berkshire Crossing is under construction.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new restaurant chain is planning to open in Berkshire Crossing.
Chipotle Mexican Grill filed a notice of intent with the Conservation Commission for the proposed redevelopment of the existing Taco Bell.
The site plan came in front of the commission Thursday because the restaurant is located within a riverfront area of the the East Branch of the Housatonic River.
Taco Bell and Chipotle will be neighbors, as the commission signed off on the construction of a new Taco Bell across the street on Dalton Avenue last year that is expected to open in late 2021.
Design consultant Karlis Skulte of Civil and Environmental Consultants Inc. said the site will remain "relatively unchanged" with aesthetic changes but no alternation in square footage. They are proposing some infrastructure improvements.
The eatery plans to repave a portion of the parking lot that is in rough shape, add and rebuild sidewalks on the property, and install additional landscaping.
The original design had additional patio space in the rear of the building but was eliminated.
"Chipotle doesn't really work well with a pull up to the window on the window and order type of approach," Skulte explained.
"So they're proposing to use this as essentially a mobile application when you call-in your order, and they're going to be able to use the drive-through as a means to pick it up without having to get out of your car so it's a little bit different approach."
Commissioner Jonathan Lothrop expressed that he would like to see additional stormwater management measures taken on the site and Conservation Agent Robert Van Der Kar suggested that the applicant considers all native shrubbery in the front landscaping.
The project was approved and commissioners said Chipotle's proposal will likely go in front of the Community Development Board and/or the City Council before its final approval.
In other news, the commission decided that the Springside Park pump track proposal's location is not within a wetland resource or buffer zone. They made a negative determination in response to a request for determination of applicability (RDA) associated with two areas of land within the property located at Springside Park.
The proposal, which includes a pump track and bike skills park for public use, has sparked debate between opposers and supporters. Those in opposition attended Thursday's meeting to share their sentiments, citing concerns of negative environmental effects from the track.
Last month, the Parks Commission recommended that the project leaders, the Berkshire Chapter of the New England Mountain Biking Association, file an RDA to be reviewed by the Conservation Commission to ensure the track would not be within a wetlands buffer zone.
The Conservation Commission then tabled the RDA because of confusion related to the two possible locations — a northern and southern site — for the pump track and requested clarification from the applicants before voting.
If it is not within the 100-foot buffer zone, that takes it out of the Conversation Commission's jurisdiction, but the Parks Commission wanted to verify the plan would not have detrimental environmental effects on the surrounding landscape.
Parks Commission Chairman Anthony DeMartino attended Thursday's meeting to confirm the proposed location of the park in the southern region of the site where a Little League field once stood.
This was requested by the Parks Commission when concern arose with the originally proposed Northern site.
Conservation Agent Robert Van Der Kar said he went to the site twice to verify that the proposal is not within 100 feet of the buffer zone.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Dalton Select Board Argues Over Sidewalk Article
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — A heated discussion concerning sidewalks during Monday night's Select Board meeting resulted in the acting chair calling a recess to cool the situation.
The debate stemmed from the two articles on the town meeting warrant for May 6 at 7 p.m. at Wahconah Regional High School.
One proposes purchasing a sidewalk paver for $64,000 so sidewalks can be paved or repaired for less money, but they will use asphalt rather than concrete. The other would amend the town's bylaws to mandate the use of concrete for all future sidewalks.
The article on concrete sidewalks was added to the warrant through a citizen petition led by resident Todd Logan.
The board was determining whether to recommend the article when member John Boyle took the conversation in a new direction by addressing how the petition was brought about.
"I just have a comment about this whole procedure. I'm very disappointed in the fact that you [Logan] have been working, lobbying various groups and implementing this plan and filed this petition six weeks ago. You never had any respect for the Select Board and …" Boyle said.
Before Boyle could finish his statement, which was directed to Logan, who was in the audience, Chair Joe Diver called point of order via Zoom.
Between disagreements about site design and a formal funding process not yet established, more time is needed before a decision can be made.
click for more
The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee on Monday unanimously supported a pay raise for election workers, free downtown parking for veterans, and safeguards to better protect wetlands.
click for more
A parking study of North Street will be presented at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The design maintains parallel parking while expanding pedestrian zones and adding protected bike lanes. click for more
Amy Schirmer was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for creating a weekly therapeutic art class at the George B. Crane Center to help those in recovery from substance use. click for more