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An image provided to the commission of a failing concrete wall on Pine Street.

Adams Con Comm Approves Emergency Certificate for Damaged Wall

By Brian RhodesiBerkshires Staff
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ADAMS, Mass. — The Conservation Commission has approved an emergency certificate for work on damaged concrete channel walls between 16 and 20 Pine St. 

Waterflow is undercutting the wall, which is at risk of collapse because of the damage. Board member Jeff Randall visited the site and said it was in rough shape. 
 
"The framing walls were in pretty tough shape," he said. "They look like they're all overturning ... It's going to need some work in the future. I don't know whose going to foot the bill for it." 
 
Board Chair James Fassel said the wall likely needs significant work. He noted the area is in a geographical low spot. 
 
"That place, where that water comes out, is the lowest place in town," he said.
 
In other business Thursday, the board continued a certificate of compliance for the town for removal of a damaged culvert pipe at the intersection of Davis and Lime Streets. 
 
Randall was an engineer for the project and had to recuse himself, meaning the board did not have enough members present to approve. He said he will help present the work at the next meeting. 
 
"We completed it in April of this year," Randall said, speaking as the engineer. "I thought it came out pretty good, I sent out a bunch of pictures ... I just wanted to let everybody know that that's well handled until next time."  
 
The board also continued a notice of intent from White Engineering, for B&B Micro Manufacturing for a driveway and parking lot extension. The Planning Board approved site plan approval for the project on Monday. 
 
The applicant requested a continuation to the board's next meeting, which was granted. Randall said there was still work needed before the application could be approved. 
 
Selectman Joseph Nowak brought the concerns of a resident about a damaged retaining wall near Richmond Lane. He also mentioned another damaged wall along East Hoosac Street. 
 
The board said it would look further into both issues. 
 
The board received a notice of intent from the state to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for trail improvements. The application, however, was received too late to be on the meeting agenda. 
 
The board's next meeting is on Oct. 20

Tags: conservation commission,   

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Mausert Block Signage Application on Hold Pending Revisions

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — The Mausert Block signage permit application is on hold while it is revised to comply with the town’s current sign bylaw.
 
During the Zoning Board meeting last month, architect Stephen Stenson requested a special permit for signage at 19A and 19B Park St., which he aims to design in a way that aligns with the historical architecture of the building and improves visibility.
 
Stenson has been working to renovate the historic Mausert Block, already opening 10 two-bedroom apartments at 21 Park Street. 
 
However, during the meeting, board members were hesitant to blanketly approve the overall sign bar rather than individual business signs. 
 
The hearing was continued, with Stenson planning on returning with a more detailed proposal showing exactly how the signage would look.
 
Stenson told iBerkshires that the planned Sept. 8 hearing had been put on hold while he prepared more information, and "hopefully" plans to represent next month.  The Tuesday meeting was also canceled because there wasn’t a quorum. 
 
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