Pittsfield – Mayor James M. Ruberto released details of the financial package for the long-planned downtown cinema center on Oct. 5, representing a major milestone after several years of work by leaders in state and city government, business, and many others in the community.
The partnership includes a consortium of five local financial institutions, the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC), the Berkshire Legislative Delegation, Downtown, Inc., developer Richard Stanley, and the City of Pittsfield. The package includes $2,000,000 in state funding, $900,000 in Historic Tax Credits, $4,700,000 in equity through the Federal New Market Tax Credit and Historic Tax Credits, and $4,000,000 in private funding, and $1 million from the City of Pittsfield.
The state of the art cinema complex, to be constructed in the historic Kinnell and Kresge buildings at 49-55 North St, will include six screens, including two stadium seating screens. The capacity of the theaters will range from 130 to 226 seats.
“This is the centerpiece of our downtown revitalization and will truly bring the masses back to North Street,†said Ruberto. “It will also serve as a platform for the city to further strengthen our urban neighborhoods.â€
Ruberto will present a proposal to the City Council on Tuesday, October 10th, requesting $1 million in G.E. Economic Development funding to be allocated to project, which is essential for the completion of the cinema center complex. The million dollars represents a $500,000 required match to the Massachusetts Community Development Action Grant (CDAG) which was approved by the City Council on February 8, 2005; and an additional $500,000 to complete the funding required for the project.
“Downtown, Inc. has worked for ten years to locate a downtown cinema developer. We have learned that the large chains are not investing in these markets. Richard Stanley is the right partner for this project,†said Michael MacDonald, past president of Downtown, Inc. and member of the Downtown, Inc. Development Committee. “Mr. Stanley could have developed this project outside the downtown for less money and a greater personal return. With the public support of the city and Berkshire legislative delegation, we can bring this project downtown.â€
The group of local financial institutions partnering in the financial package, making the project possible, includes Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Legacy Banks, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, and TD BankNorth.
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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles.
Of the 20 warrant articles, one, Article 7, to use free cash to pay prior fiscal year bills of $941.27 was indefinitely postponed by Moderator David Rolle because the bills were for the fire association.
Some 247 of the town's more than 2,600 registered voters filled Lanesborough Elementary School, debating articles during a meeting that lasted more than three hours.
The town's 2027 spending plan is up more than 10 percent, with the main increases from higher enrollment in the regional schools and the McCann Technical School renovation project.
Voters approved the assessment of $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School. They also approved Article 11, which was the use of $16,298.48 in free cash for the McCann's roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. Article 5 asked the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses, which passed.
Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine spoke to the audience on his articles and the need for a new truck to replace the 1996 fire truck, listed on the warrant articles for a total $813,366, which includes a $100,000 contingency cost on whether a 2026 model-year chassis can be secured before new emissions standards in 2027. If they get the 2026 chassis, that contingency likely won't be needed.
Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles.
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On Tuesday, the School Building Needs Commission heard an update from the owner's project manager, Skanska, and endorsed a draft schedule that runs from 2026 to 2032.
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Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building.
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As the school year winds down, the sun was shining high as Morris Elementary School and the community celebrated student success with a splash. click for more
The Berkshire Community College community celebrated outgoing President Ellen Kennedy for the innovation, kindness, and curiosity she has fostered on campus over the last 14 years. click for more
