Community Development

Post date: May 23, 2016 12:48:13 PM

BUILDING

New projects

Bronfman North Science Center Demo beginning, abatement is wrapping up. Garfield Dorm Demo is now complete and construction is permitted and underway. Phase one of the major renovations and improvements at Chopsticks was permitted on July 5th. The New Police Station is underway as well.

Ongoing Projects

Structural Inspections are completed on both new hotels. The WIlliams Book Depository/Storage Shelving Facility is at 75% complete. Psych Center (100 Hoxey St) near completion.

St Anthony's Hall Renovation began 2 weeks ago and Goodrich Hall Renovation is now complete. Demolition work at the High School is set to begin at anytime in the next week.

Other Business.

Annual Inspections at Williams College will be complete at end of month (significantly ahead of schedule) Annual Inspections for schools other than Williams, Hotels and Churches are now underway. 71 Residential Permits were issued in the last 30 days.

HEALTH

On July 2 the Board of Health reviewed their enforcement options in regards to the Smoking and Tobacco Control regulation. Health Inspector Kennedy explained to the Board, using Massachusetts General Law, the Guidebook for Boards of Health, local regulation and common law and business definitions their authority under state and local law when dealing with violations of persons or establishments holding permits issued by the Board of Health. He also showed the Board emails sent to the Gulf Food Mart concerning observed violations. The Board viewed photographs of products currently being sold in violation of Chapter 158. Mr. Kennedy also presented a draft Notice of Violations and Order to Correct for the Board’s consideration.

Mr. Kennedy asked the Board whether they wished to hold a hearing with the owners of the Gulf Food Mart to determine whether their permit should be suspended or revoked, or whether they would like to issue an order to correct in the hopes of insuring future compliance.

The Board unanimously approved issuing the Notice of Violations and Order to Correct. Board of Health member Dr. Erwin Stuebner accompanied Mr. Kennedy when the order was served on Tuesday, Jul 5. Although the owner of Gulf Food Mart disagreed with the scope of violations, he signed for the order after being informed that by signing he was not was agreeing to the scope of violations, only acknowledging receipt of the order.

The Board also requested Mr. Kennedy draft language for a September hearing to address future permits and the selling of ‘vapes’, clarification of enforcement criteria, and permit holders receipt of Chapter 158.

LAND USE

The Planning Board will be meeting on Tuesday the 10th to continue discussions on long term planning policy for housing in Williamstown. Board members also met with the Ag Commission and local farmers to look at ways they can assist with new policies designed to support local agriculture in Williamstown.

Con Com will meet on Thursday the 12th to look at 2 RDA's for replacement septic systems.

The Community Development Office recently completed the Climate Hazard Assessment portion of its Hazard Mitigation Planning work through BRPC and state grant money. Also completed was an ADA Self Assessment through an additional grant from the Commonwealth.