Mill Project receives ZBA Approval

Berkshire Eagle | November 1, 2004
By Karen Gardner

Berkshire Housing Development Corp. and a partner firm, Keen Development Corp. of Cambridge, plan to construct one-and two-bedroom and loft condominiums in the historic mill buildings on Water Street, and new townhouse units and commercial space along the Green River.

The project's attorney, Adam Filson of Grinnell, Dubendorf & Smith, said the project's first phase should begin in December with the demolition of some mill buildings. Construction and renovation of the existing buildings is expected to start in the spring; they will be renovated for residential use with some space set aside for a commercial office building.

Phase two, the construction of new townhouses and a commercial building, will follow no later than within two years of the last certificate of occupancy being issued for the renovated residential units.

"Although the desire, the demand for the townhouses is so great now, I think we will probably see phase two follow shortly after phase one," Filson said.

In total, the project will consist of 90 one- and two-bedroom flats, and two-bedroom townhouses. Of those units, 23 will be subsidized housing.

Thirty-seven percent of Williamstown residents earn an income considered as low or moderate, yet only 4.3 percent of the existing housing inventory is considered "affordable."

Priority for subsidized units will be given in the first three months to immediate family members of Williamstown residents and town employees. If more people apply than there are units available, a lottery will be held.

Cost of the units will be no more than $90,000 for a one-bedroom flat, $110,000 for a two-bedroom flat and $174,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse.

In other business, the board also unanimously approved special permits, a variance and the development plan of the Four Acres Motel on Route 2, owned by Navin Shah.

Demolition and construction will begin in the spring as the motel increases its number of rooms from 31 to 48 and adds 24 new parking spaces, bringing that total to 50.

Although the motel's L-shaped building will not be changed, the 1 1/2-story building behind the Four Acres Restaurant will be demolished and a two-story building put up in its place.

Fred L. Ackley Jr., owner of the restaurant, raised some questions regarding drainage. In recent years, from 6 to 7 feet of water has flooded an area of property, he said.

"When we get typical storms, we get flooded," he added.

He asked where the water from the motel would be diverted and what provisions had been made for drainage.

He was told that the drainage system would collect the water; that no discharges point in the direction of the restaurant; that water would be gathered and dispersed from the north side of the building, near the restaurant, and that most of the water would be curbed and collected. The rest of the water is expected to flow into two catch basins at the front of the property.

Shah's attorney, Sherwood Guernsey, said he hoped that the project would be completed by next summer, in time for the next tourist season.

All board decisions are pending a 20-day approval period.