Pittsfield ConCom Makes Suggestions for State ADA Ramp ProjectBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
06:08AM / Sunday, October 29, 2023 | |
 A request for determination was submitted for the Gale Ave. location because it is within Bordering Lands Subject to Flooding and the 200-foot Riverfront Area of the Southwest Branch of the Housatonic River. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Conservation Commission has requested some riverfront improvements as a part of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's ADA improvements to curb ramps.
On Thursday, the panel voted to require a notice of intent application due to one location's proximity to the riverfront.
MassDOT plans to retrofit ramps at Route 8/9 (Dalton Avenue) at Meadowview Drive, Route 20 (W Housatonic Street) at Betnr Industrial Drive, Route 20 (W Housatonic Street) at Gale Ave, and Route 20 (W Housatonic Street) at Osceola Street.
A request for determination was submitted for the Gale Ave. location because it is within Bordering Lands Subject to Flooding and the 200-foot Riverfront Area of the Southwest Branch of the Housatonic River.
"It's a pretty straightforward filing, most of the work is in existing paved surfaces and it really just involves improving accessibility, handicap rams, paving sidewalks, things of that nature," Conservation Agent Robert Van Der Kar explained.
"There is a new sidewalk that is closer to the Southwest branch of the Housatonic River that to me triggers the requirement for a notice of intent filling."
He asked for the commission to consider a positive three determination for the filing stating that the work near Gale Ave. is subject to protection and will remove, fill, dredge, or alter the area.
"Be it the work is not all that big, it still has an impact to the resource area and should have some improvement to the riverfront area," Van Der Kar explained.
MassDOT aims to reconstruct existing pedestrian curb ramps to meet ADA standards at various locations throughout MassDOT District 1. Pittsfield will receive six pedestrian curb ramps to meet the standards.
"Route 20 (West Housatonic Street) at Gale Avenue intersection. Portions of cement concrete sidewalk will be constructed, including new sidewalk south of U.S. Route 20 (West Housatonic Street) to tie the ramp into the existing driveway west of the ramp and into the existing driveway east of the ramp," the application reads.
"Granite curbing is being proposed to ensure positive gutter drainage throughout the project limits. Pavement milling and overlay and full depth pavement construction will occur at the project location as well as installation of proposed pavement markings, installation of two solar powered rectangular rapid flashing beacon units and areas of loam and seed."
The conservation agent said that there are some remnants of hay bales that were stockpiled in the area and removing them could be an improvement.
In other news, the commission issued 34 orders of conditions for the redevelopment of 1685 West Housatonic Street from CW Acquisitions. The proposed work is partially within the 100-foot buffer zone and the 200-foot riverfront area.
The property has previously been vacant for about ten years and was auctioned off by the city last year. Neighboring businessman Richard Wojtkowski, who owns Pittsfield Lawn and Tractor, purchased it for $450,000.
It includes a 30,000-square-foot building and 10 acres of land and was taken by the city through a tax title foreclosure a few years prior.
The applicant plans to convert the front portion of the property from a car dealership to a storage sales area and repave the existing paved parking area in the same general footprint. A new gravel parking and storage yard area will be constructed south of the building.
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