Berkshire Forum to Host 'Cleantech: Building Sustainable Communities'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Forum’s “Cleantech: Building Sustainable Communities” panel will take place on the Colonial Theatre stage on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 8:20 a.m. The panel will be moderated by WAMC Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz, and Spencer Reiss of Wired magazine will be the commentator.

Confirmed panel participants include Alan Cummings, co-founder and CEO of Seldon Technologies in Windsor, Vt., Tyler Fairbank, CEO of EOS Ventures LLC in Hancock, Steve Nelson, president and CEO of Solar Electric Service Corp in Washington, and Stephen Sears, principal of Berkshire Renewable Power LLC in Dalton.

Cummings’s company, Seldon Technologies, is the creator of world-leading nanotechnology filtration products capable of cleaning water, air and fuel without the use of heat, chemicals, power, ultraviolet light or contact time. Seldon's water filtration products function at a high flow rate to EPA drinking water standards and are saving lives around the world.

Fairbank’s EOS Ventures is a renewable energy development company focused on solar and wind technologies. His team has completed the first and only privately owned megawatt class turbine in the nation for on-site energy usage.

Sears is working to build and operate a bio-fuel and electrical generation facility at Ashuelot Park located in the town of Dalton and City of Pittsfield. The bio-fuel created would be distributed for use locally to displace fossil fuels and provide electricity through diesel generators. And, Nelson’s Solar Electric Service Corporation is a start-up company launching in the Berkshires to make the benefits of solar power affordable to the average citizen. 

An inaugural rate of $49.99 for the entire three-day 2010 Berkshire Forum event is currently being offered to the community, with an additional discount available to members of all area Chambers of Commerce (by phone or in person at the Colonial box office). Educators and students will be offered complimentary seating with the presentation of a teacher/student ID, subject to availability.

Tickets are on sale now through www.TheBerkshireForum.com or by calling the Colonial box office at 413-997-4444.
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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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