Mini-Golf Course Proposed in PittsfieldBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:23PM / Thursday, August 08, 2024 | |
 K&M Bowling is planning a mini-golf course at 555 Dalton Ave. location. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A miniature golf course may be in the city's future.
The Conservation Commission last week again continued a notice of intent application from K&M Bowling for a mini-golf course at 555 Dalton Ave. The proposed area behind the bowling alley is within the buffer zone to vegetated wetlands and within bordering land subject to flooding.
Discussion during the July meeting was centered around the fact that there is an open order of conditions on the property for the reconstruction of a gravel parking lot in the area of the proposed course.
Engineer Brent White said his team has been "very busy" the last few weeks doing a construction layout and developing a plan that allows the contractor to complete the grading work as originally proposed under the order of conditions.
Photo documentation was submitted for these plans. White explained that if the commission was inclined to issue a certificate of compliance for the gravel lot, it could also issue an order of conditions for the mini-golf course and avoid having two orders open on the same property for the same work area.
Commissioner Thomas Sakshaug did not think that the certificate of compliance could be acted on because it wasn't on the agenda.
"I think you guys are going in the right direction for sure but I also would be reluctant to proceed with a certificate of compliance until the agents had an opportunity to look at all the material thoroughly and assess and evaluate that you've met the standards," Commissioner Jonathan Lothrop said.
"And not saying you have or haven't I just think that's part of our due diligence."
He added that technically, the certificate of compliance should be on the agenda and be voted on separately.
"The proposal seeks to construct the proposed miniature golf course on the area previously approved as a gravel parking area for use by the bowling alley under MA DEP File No. 263-1111. The project will seek to complete the proposed re-grading and gain of compensatory storage volume proposed in the original order," the application reads.
"The removal of 'fill' associated with the proposed miniature gold course, association obstacles as well as a proposed 12'x18' shed to be constructed on-site. The shed will be constructed with flood vents no greater than [1-foot] below the finished grade where the shed is to be set."
While this action will have to wait until the next meeting, the applicants will go in front of the Community Development Board this week for a special permit under the zoning bylaw in the floodplain district.
The closest mini-golf course to Pittsfield is Baker's Golf in Lanesborough, which has been open for more than 80 years.
The Mathes family purchased the former Imperial Bowl last year after more than 60 years in business over two locations. It was renamed K&M Bowling and the tenpin alley was equipped with state-of-the-art technology including cosmic bowling (special illumination and music), and automatic scoring systems.
The commission also ratified an emergency permit for an oil spill cleanup at 1328 East St. in early July. The end date was set for July 30.
About 50 to 60 gallons of hydraulic oil was released at the site. The work was ordered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and was performed by Ecogenesis.
About 33 cubic yards of the petroleum-based contamination area were excavated and there was a temporary stockpile on site with impermeable barriers to cover with poly tarpaulins that are to be transferred off-site. All previous grades will be restored to the existing elevation and condition.
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