Post date: May 03, 2019 6:32:34 PM
BUILDING
Ryan and Travis are in final stages of testing and sign offs for both the North Science Center and the Fort Bradshaw project. A building permit was also recently issued for a new single family home on Sweet Farm Road. An additional single family home has been applied for for land on Stratton Road. This is awaiting Conservation Commission and Zoning Board approval. The department is in discussion with other landowners as well on several other single family home projects. Looking at the uptick in land sales recently we believe it is possible that 2021 could see the most permits issued for development of single family homes since prior to the 2008 Great Recession. We will continue to report on this trend for the rest of 2021. Lastly, all liquor license COIs have been finalized.
HEALTH
COVID continues to dominate the work of the Board of Health. Jeff Kennedy has been in many virtual meetings concerning COVID-19 vaccinations and preventive measures. Calls from the public are being answered as to potential positive cases and isolation/quarantine procedures; vaccination related questions as to when a caller is eligible for vaccination. Links have been put on the Town website to information on the COVID vaccine, and the time-frame for vaccinations for various population groups. Jeff Kennedy and the Board of Health are working closely with the Berkshire County Boards of Health Association and their Director Laura Kitross on vaccine roll out and distribution. The website will be continuously updated as new information arrives.
In non COVID news, the Berkshire Hills Country Inn has been closed to guests until such time as they come into compliance with DEP's water supply regulations. Jeff also continues to assist tenants with rental unit issues.
LAND USE
Andrew is working with the Town of Conway on developing an RFP for forest management plans for town lands in both communities. This work will be funded by a Mohawk Woodlands Partnership Grant.
Article in Greenfield Recorder - https://www.recorder.com/With-Williamstown-Conway-explores-feasibility-of-carbon-market-program-38154019
Andrew on behalf of the Conservation Commission recently participated in an outing with state officials and folks from the Rural Lands Foundation to Pine Cobble. Hank Art of the Conservation Commission is spearheading an effort to preserve the rare pitch pine forests on the Cobble. Officials from the State's Natural Heritage Program and Fisheries and Wildlife are also involved.
Conservation Commission meets next week with an extensive agenda for January. They are considering 4 different applications, two for new homes within wetland buffer zone.
The Zoning Board recently approved a special permit for a new coffee shop and herbal retail store on Cole Ave for Justin Adkins and Rebecca Guazon.
The Planning Board is meeting next Tuesday to continue discussion of marijuana cultivation bylaws and other bylaws for Town Meeting 2021.
Andrew has also been participating in a new panel at Berkshire Regional Planning that is analyzing the impact COVID has been having on the regional housing market. The group is expected to release a white paper on these issues later this year.
Other Developments
Sarah is working closely with the Town Clerk's office to get dog license renewals converted to the Open Gov online system being used for building and land use permits.