"From the canny cast to the crack chamber ensemble backing the action, the double bill offered a feast for eyes, ears, and mind." ~ A.Z. Madonna, Boston Globe
The project overall remains in strong shape, having received another $400,000 worth of historic rehabilitation tax credit funds earlier this year from the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
The project will revive and expand the defunct historic mill site in downtown Lee into a combination of office space, both market-rate and affordable rental units, a hotel, and a “public market” with multiple restaurants and food kiosks.
In the spirit of reflection and self-examination, herein lies The Edge's second annual Great Barrington year in review. It includes some select stories from other South County towns as well, along with embedded links to Edge stories for more information.
Economic development committee Chairman Steve Picheny wanted an update from town manager Mark Pruhenski on the environmental status of the building and then solicited thoughts from committee members about what uses they thought would suit the empty building.
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, traveled to Lee Tuesday and joined state Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield; state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox; town officials; and representatives from Eagle Mill to announce the awarding of $400,000 worth of historic rehabilitation tax credit funds.
In the original plan, most of the parking for the hotel would have been across the street, which would have meant lots of hotel guests crossing West Center Street to walk to and from their cars.
The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire can finally proceed with its plan to build an affordable housing complex at 100 Bridge Street after receiving the go-ahead from the selectboard.
The project will revive and expand the historic mill site in downtown Lee into a combination of office space, both market-rate and affordable rental units, a hotel and a "public market" with multiple restaurants and food kiosks.
"The work I do provides me with unique insights into how Great Barrington might better leverage state and federal monies, pursue shared services, and develop creative partnerships which would help to strengthen and sustain our community."
-- Great Barrington Selectboard candidate Leigh Davis
Most of the standards the Massachusetts Historical Commission says the project would violate are technical and easily remedied. Nonetheless, as a result, MHC says the proposed project does not meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's standards for the rehabilitation of historic properties.
Mill Renaissance LLC must still obtain site plan approval, conservation commission approval, the allocation of historic tax credits and additional commercial. Developer Jeffrey Cohen hopes to start construction on the $60 million project in the fourth quarter of 2019.
“It preserves historic assets. These are unique town assets. You just don't want them to go by the wayside."
-- Developer Jeffrey Cohen, on acquiring the former New Haven rail station in Lee, Mass.
“It preserves historic assets. These are unique town assets. You just don't want them to go by the wayside."
-- Developer Jeffrey Cohen, on acquiring the former New Haven rail station in Lee, Mass.
"We're designing a similar project to the one in Great Barrington. Downtown Lee is like Great Barrington's. It's a vibrant New England downtown. It's where people want to live."
-- Michael Charles of Benchmark Development
The project, which will include both new construction and reuse of the mill, would add retail and office space, restaurants, a health club and pool open to the public, and in excess of 100 units of housing.
"I like the whole project. It's a big change for Lee but in the right direction.” Without it, the abandoned mill would "just be blight in the town."
--- Lee Planning Board Chairman and Selectman Tom Wickham
At least a half dozen offers to buy the property have come in over the nine years it has been on the market, but the offers were too low to clear debts to the town and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
