Pontoosuc Ave. Bridge Project Meeting Set

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The state Department of Transportation will hold a virtual information meeting on the proposed replacement of the Pontoosuc Avenue bridge.
 
The new 65-foot span over the West Branch of the Housatonic River near the intersection with Wahconah Street will include complete bridge reconstruction and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant upgrades to the pedestrian facilities. The total length of the project along the roadway is approximately 455 linear feet and will include the addition of a 5-foot shoulder bike lane, reconstruction of the sidewalk and new pavement markings and signage.
 
This project is planned to be funded through the 2026 Transportation Improvement Program for the Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization at an estimated cost of $7.7 million. 
 
Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026. 
 
The bridge will be closed to all modes of transportation during construction. There is no potential for a temporary vehicular or pedestrian bridge given the site characteristics and adjacent properties. Vehicle and pedestrian detours are required to provide adequate accessibility accommodation.
 
A secure right-of-way is necessary for this project. Acquisitions in fee and permanent or temporary easements may be required. The city is responsible for acquiring all needed rights in private or public lands. MassDOT's policy concerning land acquisitions will be presented at the hearing.
 
Reasonable accommodations and/or language assistance is free of charge upon request (e.g interpreters in American Sign Language and languages other than English, live captioning, videos, assistive listening devices and alternate material formats), as available. 
 
For accommodation or language assistance, the chief diversity and civil rights officer at 1-857-368-8580, TTD/TTY at 1-857-266-0603, fax 1-857-368-0602 or at MassDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us. Requests should be made as soon as possible and prior to the meeting, and for more difficult to arrange services including sign-language, CART or language translation or interpretation, requests should be made at least 10 business days before the meeting.
 
More information here

Tags: bridge project,   information session,   MassDOT,   

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not." 

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys.  It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged. 

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter. 

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service. 

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church. 

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them.  The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources. 

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