Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Downtown former school pitched for mixed residential/commercial conversion
Summary
A developer (Ride Properties) proposed converting the old downtown school into 14 units by adding eight residential units; the board asked for sprinkler/fire documentation, a water/sewer capacity letter, utility locations and accessibility details before moving forward.
A representative for Ride Properties presented plans to convert the old street‑grade school building in downtown Pittsfield. The proposal calls for converting part of the structure to residential use — three units in the basement and five upstairs — reducing the building’s commercial footprint while adding eight housing units.
The presenter said architectural plans were reviewed by the State Fire Marshal’s office; the project will include a full NFPA‑compliant sprinkler system and one‑hour fire‑rated construction in places. Board members asked the applicant to provide a letter from the water and sewer district confirming capacity, to show exact utility and septic locations on the site plan, and to clarify accessible building entries and any elevator or accessibility programming required for multi‑story units.
The board indicated it was willing to continue review once those items and the detailed sprinkler assessment are submitted and Fire Marshal site visits are coordinated.
Next steps: applicant to supply water/sewer capacity letter, confirm utility locations on the site plan, provide detailed sprinkler and fire‑safety documentation and return the dossier to staff and the board.
