Pittsfield Designated BioReady Community
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council has certified the Pittsfield as a "BioReady Community," one that has the siting and permitting infrastructure to support biotechnology businesses."This certification is an endorsement of the accomplishments of PEDA in bringing several parcels to shovel ready status as well as recognition that the city is open for business and has the assets biotechnology companies are looking for when siting new businesses in the commonwealth," said Mayor James M. Ruberto.
Through the Department of Community Development and the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority, the city met the criteria to receive a Gold Rating from the Massachusetts Biotechnological Council.
Along with Pittsfield, both Fitchburg and Leominster received a Gold Rating at the BioReady Gateway Cities event held earlier Wednesday in Boston, bringing the total BioReady Communities achieving a Gold Rating to an even dozen.
Criteria include designated priority development site that is pre-permitted for biotechnology development, streamlined permitting practices, including convening interdepartmental coordination meetings prior to or during the local permitting process, zoning which allows biotech companies to develop by right, and adequate existing water and sewer infrastructure serving available commercial and industrial properties. The city also benefited in the certification process from its prior designation as a Massachusetts Growth District.
For more information about the rating, contact Peter Abair, director of economic cevelopment at the Mass Biotechnology Council, 617-674-5100, for information about this designation.
