Council agrees to change restrictions on Higbee property
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By BETH ZUMWALT
The Pittsfield City Council agreed to amend restrictions placed on the former Higbee property when it was sold in 2018. The decision was made at the Oct. 19 council meeting.
Jonas Petty, doing business as Square 1838, had purchased the property from the city for the price of what it cost to demolish the former school building that had fallen into disarray.
Upon his purchase, Petty went through various platting procedures and the finished agreement was he would build 12 residential units on the property, aimed mainly at retired couples.
But, now one of the neighbors to the property, James Pitchford, has offered to purchase the north half of the property.
Petty would like to split the property, sell a portion to Pitchfork and build four units on the remainder of the property.
If Pitchfork or another owner of the property in question wants to develop the area, they will have to receive council’s permission.
Meanwhile, the council instructed Mike Hollahan, city attorney, to prepare a release to allow the sale and the matter will be voted on once that document is prepared.
The council also approved a variance request from Charlie and Jessica Hull to build a three-season room on their property on South Madison Street. The room will have a side yard of five-feet instead of the required six-feet and a back yard of five-feet instead of the required 10-feet.
The ordinance committee reported the bee museum is on hold indefinitely but the committee will meet to discuss regulations for propane tanks and food trucks.
The city’s auditor was in attendance and overall gave the city a stamp of approval on their financial situation despite the repercussions from COVID.
