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Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust hears updates on Hearthway projects, including planned 47-unit Linden Street development
Summary
Hearthway updated the Affordable Housing Trust on repairs at 18 George Street, a proposed 47-unit renovation and expansion at 55 Linden Street pending tax-credit funding, progress at Zion Church and a nearly finished West Housatonic project; trustees also approved minutes and adjourned unanimously.
The City of Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust heard a series of project updates on Jan. 21 from Matt Kropke, director of real estate operations for Hearthway, including plans for a 47-unit renovation at 55 Linden Street and lead remediation work at 18 George Street.
Kropke told trustees that 18 George Street, a small income-restricted Berkshire Fund property, has four apartments with lead that Hearthway plans to remediate and that exterior repairs have begun, including porch and foundation reinforcement. He said interior apartment work will require short-term tenant relocations after exterior work is finished.
The Trust also reviewed a proposal for 55 Linden Street that would preserve the existing building’s exterior, add three new buildings around it and produce a total of 47 rental apartments. "There will be a total of 47 rental apartment units," Kropke said. Hearthway has partnered with Causeway Development and has submitted a tax-credit application to Housing Livable Communities; Kropke said the project team is "waiting to hear about funding" and expects a decision "sometime this month." He said that if funds are awarded promptly, Hearthway anticipates closing financing this summer or fall and that construction would take about a year and a half.
Trustees asked about site access and emergency egress. Chair Michael McCarthy noted plans show two points of egress; Kropke said the dual egress is intended to reduce traffic congestion and provide better access for emergency vehicles. When Trustee Jay Ogle asked whether the Linden Street site would connect to the neighboring development, Kropke said the properties are separated but that landscaping and a common walkway are planned to provide shared outdoor space.
Kropke also reported Hearthway received verbal approval of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Zion Church conversion. He said the second floor contains nine apartments for low-income individuals and the basement will operate as a Housing Resource Center offering daytime services such as housing referrals, laundry and cooking facilities once insurance requirements are resolved. He said the West Housatonic project has 28 units and is about a month from completion.
During brief other business, Vice Chair Justine Dodds said Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding work will begin in the spring and that she is closing documents on projects previously awarded by the Trust.
Votes at a glance: the board approved the minutes from Nov. 5, 2025, on a motion by Trustee Jay Ogle, seconded by Vice Chair Justine Dodds, and approved the minutes from Dec. 17, 2025, on a motion by Vice Chair Justine Dodds, seconded by Trustee Floriana FitzGerald. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved unanimously.
The Trust met remotely via Microsoft Teams. Staff noted the meeting is recorded under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 20.
