Rewind: June 14 through June 20

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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A lot has happened in the Berkshires this week. Here are some of the stories you may have missed. 
 
Berkshire Carousel Spins Again
 
For the first time in years, community members of all ages rode the Berkshire Carousel. The carousel re-opened with a new patio and volunteer support.  The efforts originally began in the late 2000s, and the ride hadn't operated since 2018. 
 
More information here
 
'No Kings' Demonstrations Held Around County
 
Less than 20 minutes away, hundreds of people filled the side streets near the Common to protest the actions of the Trump Administration. The effort was part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement.
 
More information here
 
Mural Honoring 54th Massachusetts at the Center of Juneteenth Celebration
 
Pittsfield’s annual Juneteenth Celebration at Durant Park featured the unveiling of a new mural dedicated to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and, specifically, the Pittsfield residents who served in the nation’s first all-Black combat unit.
 
More information here
 
A Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Themed 'Young At Heart'
 
The Pittsfield Fourth of July parade is just weeks away. This year's event, themed "Young at Heart," will feature over 100 units, including more than a dozen floats, several musical dance performances, and other elements that celebrate the community's youth.  
 
More information here
 
Lanesborough OKs Towing Policy
 
The Lanesborough Select Board approved a towing policy that doesn't require companies to have a storage facility in town or charge the customer for a cancelled call. 
 
More information here
 
Pittsfield Adult Learning Center Graduates 62 Resilient Students
 
Sixty-two graduates received High School Equivalency Diplomas, Adult Diplomas, and or General Educational Development credentials during the Williams Stickney Pittsfield Adult Learning Center’s 44th commencement ceremony, held at Taconic High School.  
 
More information here
 
Clarksburg Elementary Bids Farewell to Principal, Administrative Assistant
 
Clarksburg Elementary celebrated its principal and administrative assistant on the last day of school.
 
Principal Sandra Cote and administrative assistant Donna Neville both decided to retire at the end of the school year.
 
More information here
 
Adams Town Meeting Approves FY2026 Budget with Amendments
 
Town meeting members approved all town meeting articles on the warrant Tuesday night after making some amendments to the operating budget.
 
Although the 108 town meeting members in attendance ultimately approved the $19,763,563 fiscal year 2026 budget that will raise $14,369,951 through taxation, they did make some changes to the operating budget.
 
More information here
 
Lever Partnering Two Companies to Use Local Wood in Berkshire Projects
 
North Adams-based economic development nonprofit Lever has partnered with Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and Hall Tavern Farm to supply local wood for four affordable homes in Williamstown, with support from a Massachusetts grant.
 
More information here
 
MassDOT Plans Replacement of South St. Bridges
 
The state will replace two structurally unsound bridges on South Street in Pittsfield within a couple of years, possibly resulting in a brief closure of the main route.
 
More information here
 
Kirvin Park Staged for 'Significant' Ecological Restoration
 
Kirvin Memorial Park is staged for "significant" floodplain and habitat restoration beginning in the fall. 
 
The city, in collaboration with the Housatonic River Natural Resources Trustees and General Electric Co., is working to enhance the natural resources of the Housatonic River Watershed.
 
More information here
 
Pittsfield Now Sisters With Cape Coast, Ghana
 
For the first time in 25 years, Pittsfield has a new sister city. During a signing ceremony, the city established Cape Coast, Ghana, as its new sister. 
 
The designation aims to foster cultural, economic, and intellectual exchange.  
 
More information here
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Pittsfield Council OKs Tax Incentive, Historic District Study Committee

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has approved a tax agreement to transform a historical downtown property into housing, and an effort to designate a local historical district in that area. 

Last week, the council OKed a tax increment exemption agreement for Allegrone Company's redevelopment of 24 North Street, the former Berkshire County Savings Bank, and 30-34 North Street into mixed-income housing. Councilors also approved a study committee to consider a Local Historical District in the downtown. 

The subcommittee on Community and Economic Development unanimously recommended the TIE earlier this month. 

The historic 24 North St. with a view of Park Square has been vacant for about two years, and Allegrone Companies plans to redevelop it and 30-34 North St. into 23 mixed-income units. The total estimated capital investment for both sets of apartments is $15.5 million. 

The 10-year tax increment exemption freezes the current value of the property, base value, and phases in the increased property taxes that result from the redevelopment. The increased property taxes will be phased in over 10 years, with 100 percent forgiveness of the incremental increase in residential property taxes in the first year, decreasing by 10 percent each subsequent year over the term.

Last month, Gov. Maura Healey visited the site and announced housing initiatives that are expected to bring more than 1,300 units online, including units in Pittsfield and at the historic site. 

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren pointed out that the TIE triggers Allegrone's ability to receive state tax incentives and grants, recalling that they could see as much as $3 million. 

"We have a vacant bank building that's completely empty and everything, and we're going to be able to put something in it, and part of this project does have commercial, but it's a lot of apartments too," he said. 

"So I mean, it's a lot of advantage to the city of Pittsfield." 

Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody said the $15 million invested in the downtown will pay dividends to the housing crisis, and in her five years of working at General Dynamics, she saw young engineers moving to the area struggle to find a place to rent or buy.  Moody had many questions about the proposal, as her constituents did, but felt they were answered. 

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