Adams Conservation Approves Parking Expansion for B&B Micromanufacturing

By Brian RhodesPrint Story | Email Story

ADAMS, Mass. — The Conservation Commission has approved a notice of intent from White Engineering, on behalf of B&B Micromanufacturing, to construct an expanded parking lot and driveway.

The Planning Board gave the expansion, the intent of which is to meet the increasing needs of B&B's clients, site plan approval in September. The commission had continued the notice after feedback on the application from board members.

"[Increased demand from clients] was what necessitated the need for creating this road network and the parking of the units throughout the property," Brent White, an engineer from White Engineering representing B&B, said. "... What we've done to enhance the proposal is to create a series of swales and installation of rain guards to provide more of a true stormwater management peak-rate attenuation."

The project is already partially complete, as the applicant was unaware a notice of intent was required. The construction is within a 100-foot buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetlands.

After the changes, the commission was happy with the state and condition of the work done. White said they might need to come back if additional changes or further expansion is necessary.

"I think the work done on the finished product will satisfy the commission," said Commission Chair James Fassell. "Because even though it's kind of late, I think you did a good job with it."



In other business:

The commission approved a request for determination from Adams Spinning Mill Partners for removing vegetation at 5 and 7 Hoosac Street.

Removal of the vegetation, which surrounds the footprint of the building, will prevent damage to the structures from stormwater runoff. The project will require minor filling and grading to deal with a drainage issue.

"Shrubs, vines, and in some cases, some trees have grown up right against those structures; both at five and seven. And that they are presenting a hazard to the structural integrity of those buildings," said Emily Stockman of Stockman Associates.

The commission approved a certificate of compliance for Specialty Minerals for a water control structure, which minimizes flooding. The project was completed in 2017, but the applicant never filed for a certificate.

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Cheshire Festival of Trees on View Until Dec. 31

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Businesses, nonprofits, schools and town departments provided trees for the display that reflected their missions or services. 
CHESHIRE, Mass. — There is still time to experience the festive atmosphere of the Community House. 
 
The moment you step into the town offices, you're greeted by the scent of fresh pine wafting from about 70 beautifully decorated trees on display. 
 
The town's festival of trees will be on display Monday through Thursday from 10 to 4, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 8, and Sunday from 10 to 5 until Dec. 31. The building will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. 
 
The idea started four years ago with Department of Public Works Director Corey McGrath's vision to display a decorated, lighted tree in all 13 windows of the Community House, the former Cheshire School.
 
A large part of it was to bring the community back into the building that was a mess five years ago, he said. 
 
The purpose of the building is in its name — a community pillar housing the town offices and Youth Center Inc., and a community hub featuring activities from dancing, craft fairs, wrestling, and more.  
 
Since its establishment, the display has grown into the festival it is today featuring raffles, a Christmas village, nutcrackers, and, of course, trees.
 
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