PEDA Takes Steps Toward Silver Lake Walking Trail

By Joe DurwinSpecial to iBerkshires
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The governing board of the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority approved on Wednesday a series of measures to potentiate the transfer of the shoreline property around Silver Lake to pave the way for a recreational walking trail.

In order to build the walking path, following environmental remediation of the lake by General Electric, the city must amend the existing Definite Economic Development Agreement that was forged in 1999 to correct an oversight in regards to the ownership of the property, PEDA Executive Director Corydon Thurston said at Wednesday's meeting. 

At the time of the original agreement, it was believed that the city owned the shoreline but it was later discovered that titles for these parcels still resided with the original property owners. The titles had not been transferred to the city when Silver Lake Boulevard was built through an easement nearly a century ago.

The board voted unanimously to make the amendment, which also requires a vote from the City Council. 

"The lake is already looking beautiful, and once the shoreline is remediated, it really will be a lovely recreational asset," said Thurston, who anticipated that both the general public and specifically future employees of businesses on the William Stanley Business Park adjacent to Silver Lake will enjoy the future walking path.

The board also voted unanimously in favor of motions to accept transfers the parcels of shoreline to PEDA.

Other PEDA News in Brief:


  • Waterstone Development, the firm behind a controversial new shopping center plan at the PEDA site, is expected to have its plans completed by late March for presentation to the city, at which time it can begin to undergo the permitting process.

While Thurston said lease negotiations with the developer were expected to take place parallel to that process, any agreement PEDA and Waterstone may arrive at is entirely contingent on receiving the required permitting from the city.  Only then will Waterstone be able to enter into agreements with any potential tenants.

  • In response to a request from the City Council for an update on PEDA's activities and progress in the past year, Thurston said he will appear with a presentation at the Feb. 14 council meeting.
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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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