Post date: May 03, 2019 6:32:34 PM
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Ryan and Travis continue to work staggered schedules to ensure continuity in case of any COVID 19 exposure. Permit applications have been received for a new house on Ballou Lane and a $300,000 addition for a home on Bulkley. 88 building permits have been issued in the last 30 days. This is, surprisingly, 21 more permits than were issued for the same 30 day time period in 2019. The bulk of these have been significant renovation, addition, or improvement projects for residential properties. We continue to see large numbers of solar panel installs as well.
Things are going well at the reopened Williams projects which have all successfully implemented their COVID safety plans. North Science Center is moving forward with cold formed steel framing and gypsum, the project is about 55% complete at this point. Over at 175 South St, Fort Bradshaw, topping out of CMU structural block and steel for the addition has been completed. Wood and cold formed steel framing is ongoing, around 65% complete. A demolition permit was received on Thursday the 3rd of June for the old Williams Inn. In non Williams projects 330 Cole Ave is progressing. Berkshire Housing Development Corporation has contracted with Allegrone Construction and they have applied for multiple permits for a 46 unit affordable housing complex. We should have permits issued for building D and E by June 10th
Sarah and Andrew recently met with the project team from Open Gov, our permit software vendor. Sarah will be participating in Open Gov's peer resource program for communities that are just getting started in their virtual permitting process. They will also be highlighting our combined license renewal process for restaurants and other liquor license holding establishments as one of the innovative ways their clients have used online permitting to make compliance as simple and easy as possible. Our project team noted this is the type of streamlining the Open Gov system allows but few communities have successfully implemented. We're very pleased to be highlighted as an example of best practices for Open Gov's clients.
BOARD OF HEALTH
The new state tobacco laws went into effect on June 1 prohibiting the sale of ALL flavored tobacco products. Tobacco retailers were inspected on June 2 for compliance. It should be noted, "sweet", is not a flavor and such labeling is still permissible. State guidelines for the re-opening (in phases) of restaurants, retail businesses, recreational camps, lodgings, places of worship have been distributed to the appropriate establishments. However, with the exception of the Youth Center, all recreational camps for children in Williamstown have cancelled their 2020 season.
Title 5 septic system work is beginning again, with several inspections and soil evaluations having been performed and/or scheduled.
Lastly, continued and ongoing COVID-19 related teleconferences and zoom conferences with the State DPH, local emergency management, medical personnel, and Board of Health agents is a constant.
PLANNING & LAND USE
Conservation Commission has been notified by MassDOT they have received MassDEP and US Army Corps approval to start work on the replacement culvert in front of Mezze at 777 Cold Spring Road on June 22. There will be a traffic signal installed for the duration of the project. They expect to finish by August 15th. Maximillian is installing the new culvert.
The Commission met on Thursday May 28 to issue an Order of Conditions for the long awaited Williamstown / North Adams Bike Path. They also issued a permit for a replacement septic system. Commissioners have adapted well to the use of Zoom. They will meet again for at least one Request for Determination on June 11. Con Com has also been monitoring the beach guidance that was recently shared by the state. Based on this, at the current time, both the Con Com and Board of Health agreed that the Margaret Lindley Park pond will remain dry. Ken McAlpine is preparing the dam for the pond to be filled if it becomes safe to do so. In the meantime the park is open for hiking and enjoyment of Hemlock Brook.
We will be holding the first virtual ZBA meeting on June 18. There are two applications. One for renovations to a home and freestanding garage at 51 Moorland Street. The second at 112 Ballou Lane, is for a driveway longer than 500 feet (zoning amendments are in force after publication of the public hearing, Town Meeting has not yet voted on this provision), and conversion of the existing single family home into three accessory uses including an accessory dwelling unit. A new home will be constructed on the upland portion of the parcel.
The Town is partnering with the Town of Adams and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission on COVID relief grants for micro enterprises with less than 5 employees. Pre applications are due by 5 PM June 10 and are available on the Town website and Facebook page.
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Town of Williamstown
Community Development Dept.
Andrew Groff, A.I.C.P.
Director
31 North Street
Williamstown, Mass. 01267
(413) 458-9344
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