By Lucas Willard
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-998064.mp3
Pittsfield, MA – The Community Development Corporation South Berkshire or CDCSB took a big step in their plans to construct a mixed-use center on the former site of the New England Log Home Company. The site is classified as a Brownfield, or a contaminated are of land unfit for use.
After signing an agreement with the Attorney General's office and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, CDCSB will be able to reclaim the Brownfield site and develop the land. The agreement allows the demolition and cleanup of a burned out structure currently on the property, in exchange for a limitation of reliability of the contaminated property.
Town Planner of Great Barrington Chris Rembold explains that CDCSB has to take a few steps to ensure the safety of the property and go about the development in an environmentally friendly way.
The site which was formerly used by the New England Log Home Company as a manufacturing center contains contaminants including metals, asbestos, and harmful chemicals in the soil and groundwater. In 2001, the former building was destroyed by a fire, which rendered the property useless, and released the contamination.
Nathaniel Karns is the Executive Director at the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. He announced he's thrilled that the CDCSB will begin development.
Karns stated that in areas like the Berkshires, Brownfields are not uncommon things, to be located right in the center of town, such as in Great Barrington.
Plans for the site include the development of an affordable housing complex, a long-term care facility, as well as some commercial space. The site, which is also located right on the Housatonic, can offer a scenic view and provide open community space.
Town Planner Chris Rembold explained that these possibilities all mean great things for the town of Great Barrington.
Demolition of the old structure is expected to begin soon.