Pittsfield Nonprofit Asks for Building Permit ForgivenessBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Westside Legends would like a helping hand from the city in the form of fee forgiveness for an upcoming condo project.
The City Council will return from its summer break on Tuesday. Among the nearly 40-item agenda is a petition from the nonprofit requesting a waiver of all building permit fees for "Project Legacy," an affordable first-time homebuyers development.
According to the City Code, new residential construction costs $0.35 per square foot ($150 minimum.)
The nonprofit plans to build 16 new units on a vacant lot at the corner of Columbus Avenue and South John Street. It says this will meet the need for more affordable housing, be built sustainably, increase the real estate tax base, and provide housing for partner families living and working in the city.
"They increase residential stability in economically challenged neighborhoods through homeownership which will in turn help strengthen the city of Pittsfield as a whole," architect Tessa Kelly wrote in the petition.
The $5.8 million project is in partnership with MassHousing's Commonwealth Builder Program which supports the construction of affordable, deed-restricted homeownership units.
The project was allocated $175,000 of the city's Community Preservation Act funds during the most recent cycle. The total cost of $5,822,200 includes $30,000 for site acquisition, about $1 million in soft costs, and nearly $4.8 million in construction costs. Originally requesting $350,000 in CPA funds, the ask broke down into $80,000 for soft costs and $270,000 for construction.
Planners have also expressed interest in American Rescue Plan Act funds through the Affordable Housing Trust.
"The importance of homeownership, health, and stability was spotlighted during the COVID-19
pandemic," Kelly wrote.
"Now more than ever, affordable homeownership is needed in under-resourced communities like the Westside where neighbors are struggling to afford housing costs, combined with fuel, heating, and food costs."
The lot is estimated to be 363 Columbus Ave. but has not been confirmed by the city engineering department. Because of this, applications are listed as 0 Columbus Ave.
Plans include five new buildings, three of which are multi-families. It will break down into five three-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units, and seven one-bedroom units of affordable homeownership to "a historically underrepresented group of people."
The lot has a total area of 34,900 square feet, or 0.803 acres, and requires 24 parking spaces.
In June, the Community Development Board endorsed a special permit for the project with two conditions: all lighting will be downward cast and/or shielded to prevent trespass of light onto adjacent properties and the applicant is subject to all other rules and regulations not specifically covered by the granting of the special permit.
The project also includes driveways, landscaping, off-street parking, and site lighting to support the new residential structures.
Two years ago, WSL completed a project on Daniels Avenue, updating a cluster of outdated homes into condos for first-time homebuyers. Two of the first completed units were on the market for $159,999 and $169,999. With the principal/interest at 7 percent, taxes, insurance, and a $125 homeowner association fee, the buyer's total monthly payment would be about $1,500.
Tuesday's council agenda largely consists of appointments and grant acceptances.
For the Pittsfield Fire Department, James Ziter is being appointed to administrative deputy, Robert Leary, Jacob Brown, and Matthew Risley to permanent captains, and Eric Kirchner, Troy Ziter, and Brandon Bailey to permanent lieutenants.
The council is asked to accept:
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$233,940 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security State 911 Department for the FY25 State 911 Department Support and Incentive program
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$275,000 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program
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$235,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the Shared Streets and Spaces program
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$342,810 from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration to fund the design and permit phase of Taxiway A at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport
There is also an order to authorize the city treasurer to borrow a sum not to exceed $308,900 for the design and permitting of Taxiway A at the airport.
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