image description
The Community Development Board approved a special permit for the graphic window wraps covering Carr Hardware's windows.

Pittsfield Board Grants Special Permit for Carr Hardware Window Art

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Community Development Board OK'd Carr Hardware's window graphics within the Downtown Creative District.

The panel approved a special permit last week that allows the modification of a pre-existing, non-confirming storefront display to accommodate the store's previously installed artwork.

This gives Carr's graphic window wraps a pass for transparency and coverage requirements in the Downtown Creative District that was ordained by the City Council in April.

The decals are over the building's front "windows" that previously allowed spectators to see into display cases rather than the sales floor. Carr Hardware paid fees to an art website for the images that include various vintage hardware supplies.

Because the graphics are opaque and cover the entirety of the windows, they were subject to a special permit to be in the Downtown Creative District, which requires window transparency of at least 50 percent and a restriction of no more than 60 percent window coverage.

The special permit was approved with one modification suggested by board member Libby Herland that makes the ruling applicable for the life of this display. She thinks that in the future when it is time to upgrade or replace the graphics the store can create an attractive facade while meeting the transparency requirement.

Owners Marshall and Bart Raser faced the Zoning Board of Appeals to appeal the city building inspector's decision after he flagged the window wraps, existing pole sign and projecting sign, and the total amount of signage for the business as a violation in May.

To their relief, the board deemed the window wraps as artwork and not in violation of signage allowances. The decision was made in a 3-2 vote with John Fitzgerald and Thomas Goggins opposing.



City Planner CJ Hoss requested that the business obtains the special permit after the ZBA's approval.

He told the board on Tuesday that it is important to work with businesses in the creative district, especially because the zoning is so new.

"We really want to be lenient and understand that when regulation comes in place, not everyone is necessarily aware of it," Hoss said. "And while we want to work with property owners to be compliant with the zoning in situations like this we will really want to find a way to make it work, and especially in the short term during this learning process."

Chair Sheila Irvin added that with anything, there has to be a certain degree of flexibility and understanding.  

In other news, the board re-appointed Irvin as chair, Floriana Fitzgerald as vice chair, and Gary Levante as clerk, and accepted the board's annual report to the City Council.


Tags: Planning Board,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories