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Residents raise hydrology and tree‑removal concerns; Conservation Commission continues Cascade Street applications
Summary
Residents spoke against Cascade Street development applications, citing unresolved litigation, well and pond contamination risks, prior illegal tree cutting, and requests for mature trees and multi‑year planting guarantees; the Commission continued Guidewire’s Cascade Street items to June 11, 2026.
The Pittsfield Conservation Commission continued two Guidewire, Inc. applications for properties on Cascade Street after multiple residents raised concerns about unresolved litigation, hydrology and possible contamination of private wells and irrigation ponds.
Ryan Nelson of R Levesque & Associates presented a revised tree‑planting plan for the single‑family home application that lists 172 combined trees and shrubs. Several neighbors spoke during public comment. Resident Ned Kirchner (131 Churchill St) said the pending litigation raises questions about the applicant’s trustworthiness and urged a system‑level hydrology review. Bella and Jerome Auerback (88 Cascade St) told the commission their pond hosts endangered salamanders and expressed concern that nearby work could harm the pond and their well. John Haddad (213 Cascade St) alleged prior unauthorized removal of mature trees and argued that replacement saplings are insufficient, urging planting of mature specimens where appropriate.
City representative Steve Pagnotta said the commission can issue a permit but could condition work not to begin until litigation is resolved; Commissioner Jonathan Lothrop and others noted the litigation could materially alter proposed work. Commissioner Lothrop moved to continue the Cascade Street items to the June 11, 2026 meeting to allow time for review of the revised planting plan and outstanding legal issues; Commissioner Elizabeth Calebaugh seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
The meeting minutes record residents’ requests for a 5–10 year guarantee period for plantings and a call for a holistic hydrology analysis; the Commission did not set those conditions at the May 28 meeting but continued the items for further review. The continued items are scheduled to return to the Commission on June 11, 2026.
