PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A proposed self-storage and U-Haul business on West Housatonic Street received a positive reception from the Community Development Board on Tuesday.

 

U-Haul is looking to open a storage and truck rental business in the former Pittsfield Plaza, which has been empty for years. Plans to develop such a business there began back in 2013 when the owners of the property petitioned the City Council to change zoning laws to allow such a use. The truck rental business is already approved by right but the self-storage component requires a special permit.

 

Jim Blair, marketing company president for U-Haul, said he estimates some 31 vehicle trips on weekdays, significantly less than the current Shell Gas station right next door generates. And he says the noise will be limited. The operation will include a 3,000 square-foot retail space with the rest of some 40,000 square feet will be used for storage units. 

 

"It is really minimal change to the exterior," Blair said.

 

However, Blair did not submit a rendering of what the business's exterior will look like, which the Community Development Board is asking to receive. Blair said much of the design of the space will depend on the condition of the building.

 

"The design of it will probably be limited to what the structure is capable of holding," he said, adding that a structural architect will have to examine the building first.

 

Blair said he expects to have subdued appearance as well as some 50 to 70 trees and plantings to screen out the visibility somewhat. Further, the company would install lighting and security.

 

"We have done many successful adaptive use projects," Blair said.

 

Community Development Board member David Hathaway added conditions that if any work is done to the intersection that the cost is paid for by the developer. Further, any additional drainage work needed there will also be the burden of the company, Hathaway added.

 

Gale Avenue resident Dennis Lattizzori said the neighbors agree that the building needs renovations but did raise concerns of noise and traffic. He said the neighborhood is split between commercial and residential uses and he doesn't want the company to forget that. He added he hoped the lighting at night wouldn't be too bright as to shine into the windows of homes.

 

"We are not for or against it, the place needs to be overhauled no question about it," he said. "I think self-storage is a quiet business but we have a concern about trucks at night, access and people slamming doors."

 

Blair said the facility will be closed by 7 p.m. and typically there aren't many people in and out of the operation during the day. 

 

Resident John DeForest lives right next to McDonald's and asked that if anything is going to happen with the traffic signals there, the impacts are carefully considered. He said traffic already gets backed up and he hopes the state would put in some type of bypass for people exiting McDonald's. But, overall, he is all for the project.

 

The project is feasible after the City Council's approval to change zoning bylaws to allow self-storage with a special permit. In 2013, officials with plaza owner Alfred Weissman Real Estate petitioned for the change in hopes to develop the vacant parcel. Amerco Real Estate Co. is facilitating the project with U-Haul now to turn it into a reality. 

 

The former shopping center has a long history dating back to 1962, when it was built to be the home of the former Big N discount department store. A movie theater, restaurants, furniture store, and other retail establishments had operated there. In 2005, the last tenant moved out and it had fallen into disrepair by the time it was sold in 2007.

 

In 2008, Big Y toyed with the idea of relocating to the facility but ultimately decided to renovate its existing store instead. Since then, the building has continued to be somewhat of an eyesore but the owners said they have been hoping to restore it — with U-Haul becoming the latest hope to start that process.