CITY OF PITTSFIELD

Maintenance Department 81 Hawthorne Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201

TEL (413) 499-9476 FAX (413) 395-0135
Date: September 21, 2015
To: City Councilors

Reference: Springside House

I have prepared this memorandum to update you on the Springside House restoration project. Recall that
the City completed the Springside House Conditions Assessment and Feasibility Report in 2014. This
report outlined a phased approach to addressing the current conditions of the building with respect to the
desired future use. Capital funding was appropriated to the project in June 2015 and it is the intent of the
City to move forward with the plans as outlined in the report. To stretch the capital funds further, it is
hoped that a matching grant can be found to address the immediate and intermediate treatment plans.
In July, my department undertook a project to remove the flaking lead paint from the exterior of the
structure. Using a lift and power washer, my staff carefully removed and collected the flaking paint chips
on strategically placed tarps. This work was reviewed by staff from the MA Department of Labor and
Standards and was found to be in compliance with their protocols for such work. Removing the loose
flaking lead paint was important to protecting the grounds around the house. To remove the remaining lead
paint will require more extensive work using specialized equipment. This second phase of paint removal is
outside of the capabilities of city staff.
I am reviewing options with the Mayor and Jim McGrath (DCD) for the next phase of exterior work at the
Springside House which entails understanding costs and tradeoffs for complete and partial existing lead
paint removal on an exterior that requires extensive clapboard replacement. Though my department is
looking to address exterior paint issues soon, it is my professional opinion that there will be minimal effect
to the better quality exterior clapboards should this work need to wait until next spring.

Respectfully,

Peter Sondrini
Director of Maintenance