Work to replace the West End bridge on Route 2 will start in the next month. At least one lane will remain open to keep traffic flowing but there are concerns of backups with Mass Ave and Brown Street also being closed.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The burned-out hulk on Houghton Street is expected to come down before the end of the year.
Mayor Jennifer Macksey informed the City Council on Tuesday that a demolition bid had been awarded to Associated Building Wreckers of Springfield in the amount of $237,000 for the Houghton structure and another building on Prospect Street.
The funding for the demolition comes from the city's American Rescue Plan Act funds.
"Both sites are considered high with asbestos abatement. So therefore the areas will be completely contained," the mayor said. "So don't get nervous when you see a lot of people with zoot suits on. "Because of the conditions of the building we had to declare it all hazardous.
"It doesn't necessarily mean that it is but we couldn't get into the buildings because they're in such poor condition to do an adequate assessment."
The concerns over asbestos abatement was one reason for the high cost of the demolition and removal of debris.
The three-story apartment building at 246-248 Houghton St. burned in January 2019. It sustained fire and structural damage and roof collapse. It's been empty and a public safety nuisance for four years now and was put on the city's demolition list in April.
"I know especially the people in the area will be happy about that," said the mayor.
The structure was known as the Owen Morris House and, according to the city's historical survey, was constructed in 1884, although the city's assessor gives it a date of 1870. It was originally used as a residence and grocery store and built by Morris, who worked at Arnold Print Works. It had four units at the time and a public library branch was located there for about 40 years until closing in 1976.
The property was sold in April 2020 for $5,000 to Garabed Setrakian of Cambridge, who had planned to raze the building and replace it with a new six-unit building primarily for short-term rentals. He received a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for parking in 2021 but has not moved forward with the project although the site has appeared on real estate listings in the past.
The two-story structure at 86-88 Prospect St. has four units and was built around 1900. It has reportedly been vacant for some time.
Macksey also reported that the Massachusetts Avenue stormwater work is about 75 percent complete. The street was closed to through traffic between Protection Avenue and Ashton Avenue in August for the second phase of the work that had closed Ashton for months prior.
"Most of the work that will require us to close the street will be done, hopefully, by the end of the year," she said. "And then depending on what kind of winter we get, will determine how much work we get done between January and spring. So we're planning on closing it out in June."
However, once the road is closed up in the next few weeks, she's hoping that the street can be opened to traffic after construction has ended for the day and on weekends.
The total cost is $18.7 million funding is through the state and the federally funded Accelerated Bridge Program. The contract was awarded to J.H. Maxymillian Inc.
"It's our understanding that they will do one lane at a time with possible closures at night. So we're trying to coordinate that bridge project with what's going on on Mass Ave and not having the Brown Street bridge," Macksey said.
"That project will be a very long project so just everyone needs to be patient with that."
She had hoped for the Mohawk marquee to be in place by the tree lighting on Wednesday but it is not to be. It should be reinstalled before the end of the year, she said.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
North Adams Warns Residents of Lead Pipe Survey Scam
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City of North Adams is warning residents about scammers exploiting a city-run lead pipe survey project.
As mentioned in a letter sent to city residents, the city is undergoing a lead pipe survey. Since then, some residents have been contacted by scammers claiming to be part of the survey and looking for financial information.
Officials emphasized that the survey is free, and the city is not making phone calls to residents at this time.
Residents are urged not to share financial details over the phone. Anyone receiving such calls should report the incident immediately to the North Adams Police Department at 413-664-4944, extension 1.
There are several events this weekend, including an immersive installation, live music, and book activities. See a list of upcoming bazaars, craft fairs and markets here.
click for more
The scope of the work includes demolishing the existing roof membrane, flashing insulation and protection boards on the existing flat roof, repairing and repainting the window frames and sashes, and painting and sealing all surfaces.
click for more
Community, education and business leaders are promoting the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Restoration Project as a critical component for economic development. click for more
Monument Mountain's Everett Pacheco took control of the race in the final mile and went on to a convincing Division 3 State Championship on Saturday at Fort Devens. click for more