GREENFIELD — Town Council has unanimously approved a zoning amendment that will allow light manufacturing plants by special permit within the town’s Office District.
Decker Machine Works Inc., currently located in Ashfield, has entered into a purchase and sales agreement with Greenfield Savings Bank to purchase its building and adjacent property at 201 Munson St., prompting the amendment. Although that company is hoping to move to town, the amendment would apply to all other light manufacturing companies that hope to do the same.
“I have to say that this is a great move for Greenfield to have a business like this — a light industry — to come in,” At-Large Councilor Penny Ricketts said at Wednesday’s council meeting.
Precinct 7 Councilor William Childs, who lives near the building, voiced his support for the amendment before the vote.
“I just suggest here that we vote on this not for that particular business, but to think about this as a whole town-wide situation that’s going to happen, and I’m in favor of it. We need all the little businesses we can get,” he said.
Council Treasurer Karen “Rudy” Renaud, who also lives in the neighborhood, supported the amendment but requested the Police Department monitor the speed of traffic in the area, which she said has been a problem.
GREENFIELD — Town Council unanimously approved a transfer of $228,000 out of a contract stabilization account for the first year of the Greenfield Public Schools teachers’ contract.
Although the request was passed with little discussion, School Superintendent Jordana Harper spoke before the vote to say the contracts will bring a competitive wage intended to attract and keep teachers in Greenfield.
GREENFIELD — Two Hope Street residents spoke before Town Council Wednesday night to voice concern that Pierce Brothers Coffee Roasters may be polluting the air with its roasting process, but Mayor William Martin said an inquiry by the Health Department showed there is no cause for concern.
Oscar Arse and Thomas Moore, both of 91 Hope St., said the burnt toast-like smell from the roasters could have adverse health effects and questioned whether the business has outgrown its current location and should be moved to the industrial park. Sean and Darren Pierce, who own the company, attended the meeting and said their unique roasting process does not release harmful particulates into the air.
“My brother and I have always been about taking care of our community first as part of what we do,” Sean Pierce said. “Our form of roasting actually reduces emissions.”
Darren Pierce added the company recently spent $100,000 to upgrade the facility, and while they may eventually outgrow the building, they hope to stay a little longer to make that investment worthwhile.
Martin said the Health Department has looked into the neighbors’ concerns and found no evidence to support them.
At the same time, the Pierce brothers added their employees have been subjected to frequent harassment from certain members of the community — including anti-Semitic remarks — and feel threatened.
Town Council agreed at the end of the meeting that there is no place for hate in Greenfield.