Two Pittsfield Habitat for Humanity Homes Open for Tours

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity is inviting the public to tour two newly built, affordable homes at 21 and 23 Murphy Place during upcoming open houses in February.
 
Located on a dead-end street just off Upper North Street heading towards Pontoosuc Lake, these three-bedroom, one-bath condominiums offer an opportunity for income-qualified buyers to achieve homeownership.
 
The homes will be sold to families earning between 50 percent and 65 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). For Pittsfield, current income eligibility ranges by household size are approximately:
  • Family of 2: $49,150 – $63,895
  • Family of 3: $55,300 – $71,890
  • Family of 4: $61,400 – $79,820
  • Family of 5: $66,350 – $86,255
Prospective homeowners who can afford approximately $1,700 per month may be eligible to purchase one of the homes. Estimated monthly payments include principal and interest at current rates, as well as estimated property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Rates are representative of recent offers.
 
The open houses will be held on:
  • Friday, February 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
The homes feature modern, energy-efficient construction, Whirlpool Energy Star appliances including full-size washers and dryers, and energy-saving mini-split heat pumps for cooling and heating.
 
 
Anyone with questions can call 413.442.3181 x7 or email Homes@BerkshireHabitat.org.

Tags: habitat for humanity,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Council OKs Underground Fiber Network

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More underground fiber internet cables will be installed in Pittsfield. 

On Tuesday, the City Council approved Gateway Fiber's request to install an underground fiber network infrastructure within the city's right-of-way.  

The company was given the go-ahead for an aerial network last year alongside Archtop Fiber, marking the beginning of construction with a ribbon-cutting at the Colonial Theatre. Gateway Fiber will offer subscription plans ranging from $65 to $150 per month, depending on speed. 

Wards 3 and 4 will see the most work in the first phase, according to an underground fiber deployment plan.  Fourteen streets in Ward 4 will see underground fiber deployment; 13 streets in Ward 3.  

Ward 4 Councilor James Conant voted in opposition for personal reasons, as he signed up for Gateway Fiber briefly last year and said he had poor service and poor communication from the company. 

Some councilors and community members appreciated bringing competition to Spectrum internet services. Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey pointed out that it costs about $90 per month for 500 megabytes per second with Spectrum, and that all three fiber services that have come to Pittsfield are cheaper. 

Operations Manager Jennifer Sharick explained that they were seeking approval for underground fiber deployment as part of the next phase in Pittsfield. The city was found to be a "very" viable community for underground fiber. 

Gateway Fiber, she said, originally served a community of 250 residents outside of St. Louis, Mo. 

"Following the pandemic, we saw the need, and what people need for fiber and reliable internet service to bring residents and businesses the opportunity for connectivity," Sharick said. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories