Michael and Lucinda Piccirillo are currently constructing a single family home at 21 Sheep Pasture Road in Southwick,. The couple claims they encountered a problem while meeting with the Planning Board to review the storm water plan for their property. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Michael and Lucinda Piccirillo sought advice from the Board of Selectmen this week with regard to their property at 21 Sheep Pasture Road.
The couple has owned the land for many years and is currently constructing a single family home there. They said they encountered a problem while meeting with the Planning Board to review their stormwater plan.
“We were told we need a $5,000 bond,” said Michael Piccirillo.
Normally, a contractor would be responsible for securing the bond, but the Piccirillos are taking on much of the project themselves.
“We want to be able to do some of the work ourselves,” said Lucinda.
“We don’t want to be obligated to a contractor,” Michael said.
The bond usually required can only be obtained by a contractor. It was suggested that a license bond could be obtained. However, when the couple consulted its insurance company about bonding, they were informed they could not obtain that bond either.
They turned to the board for guidance.
“We have had vendors give us a $5,000 check and we held it in escrow until the work was done,” said Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart.
The Piccirillos said the problem with that is it ties up funds they need for construction.
Planning Board member Joseph Deedy was in the audience and was asked if there was “wiggle room” in the bond amount.
Deedy said he didn’t think there was.
“We got that number down pretty low,” he said.
Department of Public Works Director Jeffrey Neece said developers have used a line of credit in place of a bond and wondered if that would be an option for the Piccirillos.
The couple agreed to ask Town Clerk Michelle Hill if that would be acceptable and if so, seek a letter of credit from their bank.
