Community Development

Post date: May 03, 2019 6:32:34 PM

BUILDING

The Town continues to provide Building Inspection services to the housing sector as detailed by Gov. Baker's list of essential services. We are rotating inspectors to preserve continuity of operations and utilize protective social distancing protocols in the field. Permits also continue to come in at a steady pace with 65 issued in the month of April alone. Work also continues on plan review with Allegrone Construction and Berkshire Housing on the 330 Cole Ave Housing Development. Admin Sarah Hurlbut and our Building Commissioner Ryan Contenta are also working through contingency planning on how to complete annual building inspections for public buildings under current conditions.

HEALTH

Jeff Kennedy has been busy with coordinating pandemic response with the Board of Health and other regional partners. The Board of Health also continues its other important functions reviewing private water supply and disposal plans and working on rental property issues with landlords and tenants.

LAND USE

The Planning Board and Zoning Board have decided to suspend meetings during the crisis and will consider meeting via Zoom if necessary as the pandemic continues. Conservation Commission has been adapting to the virtual meeting format and has now conducted four public hearings via the platform. They have approved during the month of April the repaving of Route 43 from Hopper Road to 5 Corners, a new utility service for a Berlin Road resident, remediation for past wetlands issues at Bulkley Street residence, and a joint meeting with the North Adams Commission to approve a wildlife safety fence at Harriman - West Airport. The Commission will also continue to meet and work through applications on a case by case basis until normal business can resume. Other Land Use related work has shifted to multiple long term projects