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Pittsfield Historical Commission unanimously approves three demolition applications, including Wahconah Park grandstand
Summary
At its Jan. 12 meeting the Pittsfield Historical Commission approved demolition of 86 John Street, the Wahconah Park grandstand and 136 Linden Street; Wahconah work will include archival documentation and a historically informed replacement footprint, and demolition motions passed unanimously.
The Pittsfield Historical Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 12 to approve three demolition applications, including plans to remove the Wahconah Park grandstand so the field can remain in use.
Chair John Dickson opened the meeting at 5:00 p.m. and confirmed a quorum before commissioners took up demolition reviews. Nate Joyner presented the application for 86 John Street (built 1893), saying the building "was abandoned and has been vacant for nearly 10 years" and that a 2017 assessment found substantial basement and overall damage that made renovation cost-prohibitive. Joyner told the commission that the city operates a 50-year housing rehabilitation program funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and that a newer "At Home" program addresses visual damage and code issues on properties. Commissioner Brian Patton moved to approve the demolition; Tom Martin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Jim McGrath outlined plans for Wahconah Park's grandstand (built 1949). He said the site is listed on the National Register, and MassHistoric required two conditions: an acknowledgement of the original building and teams, and hiring a historic consultant to photograph and archive the grandstand and surrounding area. McGrath reported that Epsilon completed the photographic documentation and that SK Design is the project's engineer. The replacement structure will generally keep the original first- and third-base footprint but with a more compact roof and a mix of benches and fixed seating; McGrath said the new design will meet building codes and ADA accessibility standards and that civil engineers are addressing flooding in the parking area. Commissioners voted unanimously to allow the demolition, with the stated goal of carrying it out in April so the field can continue to be used.
Richard Solis presented the application for 136 Linden Street (built 1885), describing the house as dangerous and noting adjacent vacant lots. Solis said he plans to demolish the structure to make way for low-income housing and is working with a contractor; he told the commission RPS Enterprise will perform the demolition and that construction is expected to begin in late spring. Commissioner Jeffry Bradway moved to approve the demolition; Brian Patton seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The commission recorded each motion as unanimous. Present commissioners voting in the affirmative were Chair John Dickson, Carol Nichols, Jeffry Bradway, Tom Martin, Will Garrison and Brian Patton; Pamela Sandstrom was absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Votes at a glance
• 86 John Street (built 1893) — Motion to approve demolition: mover Brian Patton, seconder Tom Martin; outcome: approved unanimously.
• Wahconah Park grandstand (built 1949) — Motion to approve demolition and documentation plan: mover Jeffry Bradway, seconder Carol Nichols; outcome: approved unanimously. Commission noted MassHistoric documentation requirements and confirmed Epsilon completed photographic archiving.
• 136 Linden Street (built 1885) — Motion to approve demolition for planned low-income housing redevelopment: mover Jeffry Bradway, seconder Brian Patton; outcome: approved unanimously.
