Williamstown Sporting Goods Store Proposal Withdrawn

iBerkshires.com  reports  the Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday avoided a decision on the most controversial issue it has faced this year.

But it did allow a resident to take advantage of the bylaw that resulted from the most contentious issue that faced another town board in the last 12 months.

Billy Preite withdrew his request for a special permit to operate a sporting goods store on North Hoosac Road.

In a letter to the board, Preite cited the hostility of those who objected to his proposal to open the store, which would have included a line of collectible firearms.

After a 5-0 vote Thursday to accept Preite's request to withdraw his petition without prejudice, the ZBA moved on to two other petitions, including one that — like Preite's — was continued from the September meeting.